THE TURNING POINT | Green ambitions need Namibian voices and Namibian businesses

Today’s launch of the public consultation on Namibia’s Sectoral Transformation Investment Plan (s-TIP) may not generate the excitement of a new mine, a presidential announcement or a major investment deal. Yet it could prove to be one of the most consequential economic conversations Namibia has had in years.

As entrepreneurs, we often complain that government develops policies behind closed doors, only inviting the private sector once decisions have already been made. This consultation offers something different. It presents an opportunity for businesses, investors, researchers, communities and ordinary Namibians to shape how our country positions itself in what is rapidly becoming the global green economy.

We should embrace it.

Over the past four years, Namibia has emerged as one of Africa’s most talked-about destinations for green hydrogen and renewable energy investment. International delegations have arrived almost weekly. Memoranda of understanding have been signed. Feasibility studies have multiplied. Billions of dollars in potential investments have been announced.

The excitement is understandable.

Namibia possesses some of the world’s highest solar irradiation levels, excellent wind resources along the coast, vast tracts of land and a stable political environment. These natural advantages have placed the country in a unique position to become a producer of green hydrogen and other low-carbon products.

But possessing natural resources has never been enough.