Low Attendance at Hyphen Hydrogen Energy Stakeholder Engagement Raise Concerns

Strategic Insights -

Kavango West Governor, Verna Sinimbo expressed disappointment at the low attendance during a recent stakeholder engagement at the Nkurenkuru Expo Hall, highlighting the importance of such events in informing Namibians about government initiatives and economic opportunities. The meeting aimed to promote the green hydrogen project, a key strategy in Namibia's transition to renewable energy and a potential catalyst for Africa's green industrial revolution. The project has the potential to create thousands of jobs and generate significant economic benefits for local communities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Hyphen Hydrogen Energy stakeholder engagement at the Nkurenkuru Expo Hall had low attendance, with numerous empty chairs, prompting Governor Verna Sinimbo to question why invitations were not more widely extended.
  • The meeting was crucial for informing Namibians about government initiatives and potential economic opportunities, with Sinimbo stressing the national significance and referencing President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's vision of creating employment opportunities for youth and supporting small and medium enterprises.
  • The green hydrogen project is a key strategy in Namibia's transition to renewable energy and a potential catalyst for Africa's green industrial revolution, with the potential to create thousands of jobs.
  • Hyphen Senior Economic Development Manager for Procurement, Johannes Shipepe, highlighted the sector's potential to create jobs and drive Namibia's industrial future, with 23 of its 25 current team members being Namibian nationals.
  • The project is expected to generate 50 000 jobs during construction and 3 000 permanent positions during operations, providing additional benefits to local communities, including excess water and electricity supply.
  • Nkurenkuru Mayor Jafet Muti expressed excitement about the project's socio-economic development framework, stating that it has the potential to uplift lives and stimulate sustainable economic growth.
  • The project emphasizes local employment,_skills development, infrastructure improvements, and entrepreneurship support, promoting sustainable economic growth in Kavango West.

Statistics:

  • 23 out of 25 current team members of the Hyphen Hydrogen Energy project are Namibian nationals.
  • The project is expected to generate 50 000 jobs during construction.
  • The project is expected to create 3 000 permanent positions during operations.
  • The project is expected to provide excess water and electricity supply to nearby towns and farms, addressing critical infrastructure challenges.

Sources:

  • NAMPA, Kavango West Governor expresses disappointment at low attendance at Hyphen Hydrogen Energy stakeholder engagement, 12 June 2025.