USAID grant significantly boosts Namibia’s Green Hydrogen initiative – Windhoek Observer

Niël Terblanché

The United States government, through its USAID Mobilizing Investment project, has announced a generous grant of N$19 million to Namibia Hydrogen Fund Managers (Pty) Limited.

This critical financial injection is aimed at supporting the ambitious N$22 billion Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Namibia One Fund, marking a major milestone in Namibia’s journey towards sustainable development and green energy.

The SDG Namibia One Fund unveiled at the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP-27 in November 2022, stands as Namibia’s premier finance vehicle dedicated to the burgeoning green hydrogen industry.

It is set to play a critical role in managing a wide array of infrastructure projects focused on the production, transportation, transmission, storage, and utilization of green hydrogen and its derivatives.

This comprehensive initiative is poised to lead Namibia towards a more sustainable energy grid, simultaneously sparking job creation, reducing emissions, and fostering sustainable economic growth.

U.S. Ambassador Randy Berry commended Namibia’s visionary approach to green hydrogen, which is central to the country’s Vision 2030.

“In the global race to develop green hydrogen, Namibia is at the forefront. Green hydrogen development is at the heart of the country’s Vision 2030. I applaud the government of Namibia for recognizing that hydrogen presents the country with the unique opportunity to develop a low-carbon industry,” Berry stated, highlighting the strategic significance of this initiative.

Launched in May 2023, the five-year USAID Mobilizing Investment project is strategically designed to bridge funding gaps within Southern Africa’s investment ecosystem.

The grant to Namibia Hydrogen Fund Managers (Pty) Limited (Nam H2) under this initiative is expected to catalyze an increased flow of private capital into the economy.

The overarching goal is to boost employment, decrease poverty, and mitigate inequality across Southern Africa, with the project extending its reach across ten countries, including Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, South Africa, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, and Namibia. This substantial support from USAID signals strong international confidence in Namibia’s green hydrogen potential and its capacity to lead the region into a new era of sustainable energy production.

According to Berry, the collaboration with international partners such as the USAID Mobilizing Investment project emphasises the global community’s commitment to sustainable development and the fight against climate change.