Namibia : a global pioneer for Africa’s green transition

The HyIron plant, located at the Hyron Oshivela production site in the Erongo region of Namibia, marks a significant technological and environmental breakthrough. It is the first zero-emission iron production facility in Africa, made possible by a strategic collaboration between Namibia, the European Union, Germany, and other partners. The innovative use of green hydrogen as the primary energy source for iron production showcases Namibia’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions while fostering local job creation.

Namibia’s President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, along with the EU Ambassador, the German Ambassador, and Namibia’s Minister of Industries, Mines, and Energy, participated in the inauguration, symbolizing international cooperation for sustainable development. The HyIron project is a tangible realization of the EU-Namibia strategic partnership established under the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding, focused on green hydrogen and sustainable materials value chains.

Economic and environmental impact: A new model to follow

At full capacity, the HyIron plant will produce one million tons of green iron annually, helping to reduce 1.8 million tons of CO₂ emissions each year. This ambition aligns with the EU’s Global Gateway investment strategy, which aims to promote sustainable development and expand clean energy infrastructure in Africa. The environmental impact of the project highlights Namibia’s ability to generate clean and affordable energy, positioning the country as an attractive destination for investments in the global green economy.

Furthermore, the HyIron plant is expected to create over 6,000 construction jobs and 900 permanent jobs during its operational phase, boosting Namibia’s economy and providing substantial employment opportunities. The project has already had a positive impact, with over 60 Namibian SMEs involved during the pilot phase, generating 400 jobs.

Namibia’s capacity to harness its green energy resources has garnered attention not only in Africa but also globally. The plant is equipped with the largest electrolyzer in Southern Africa, enabling large-scale green hydrogen production, setting a new standard for other African countries in the energy transition.

A collaborative effort: Germany, the EU, and Namibia join forces

Germany’s commitment to this project is evident, with an initial financial contribution of 13.7 million euros from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) to support the pilot phase. For the second phase of production scaling, a contribution of 12 million euros in blended finance from the EU and the Netherlands will be used to achieve an annual production of 200,000 tons of direct reduced iron (DRI).

This project also falls under the EU’s Global Gateway investment initiative. EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, stated: « Producing green hydrogen in Africa has enormous potential, and it is fantastic to see a concrete project that will turn this into one million tons of zero-emission iron each year. But it’s not just about reducing emissions — it will also create thousands of new jobs locally. This is exactly what Global Gateway represents: sustainability, real opportunities, and progress that benefits all stakeholders. »

In addition to Germany and the Netherlands, EU cooperation with Namibia has been instrumental in mobilizing investments and realizing Namibia’s green transition policy, allowing the country to move towards a carbon-neutral future.

Comparing Namibia’s progress to other African countries

Namibia’s success with the HyIron project sets it apart from other African countries in terms of green hydrogen production and zero-emission iron production. Countries like South Africa and Morocco are also making strides in renewable energy, with South Africa focusing on wind and solar energy, while Morocco has become a leader in solar energy with projects such as the Noor solar complex. However, Namibia’s unique approach, combining green hydrogen with sustainable industrial applications, places it at the forefront of Africa’s green transition.

In South Africa, while renewable energy projects are expanding, the country faces significant challenges related to energy security and carbon emissions from traditional mining industries. Similarly, Kenya is ramping up its geothermal energy efforts, but Namibia’s initiative in green hydrogen production and sustainable industries opens a new path for low-emission industries in Africa.

Additionally, Namibia’s green transition aligns with the « Scaling up Renewables in Africa » campaign launched by the European Commission to accelerate the clean energy transition in Africa by mobilizing investments from governments, financial institutions, and the private sector. This campaign supports initiatives like Mission 300, which aims to provide electricity to 300 million people in Africa by 2030.

A model for Africa’s green future

Namibia’s success with the HyIron plant is a model for Africa’s green transition, demonstrating how sustainable energy and industrial innovation can go hand in hand to address climate change and economic development challenges. The country’s ability to attract international investments in renewable energy projects positions it as a regional leader in green hydrogen production, offering a replicable model for other African nations.

In conclusion, Namibia is paving the way with projects like HyIron, and its cooperation with the EU and Germany illustrates how international partnerships can foster sustainable development. As Africa continues to face challenges related to climate change and energy access, Namibia’s success will undoubtedly inspire other countries to prioritize green technologies, creating a ripple effect across the continent.