Namibia positions itself as Africa’s green industrial leader

Namibia utilised the global stage at COP30 to assert its position as Africa’s emerging powerhouse for green industrialisation.The UN Climate Change Conference took place from 10 to 21 November in Belém, Brazil.Environment minister Indileni Daniel delivered a powerful call for a global trade and finance system that rewards countries choosing low-carbon development over carbon-intensive growth at a side event titled 'Leveraging Trade and Investment for a Low-Carbon and Sustainable Future' last week.Daniel said the world’s economic systems must be transformed as urgently as its energy systems if the 1.5°C target is to remain within reach. She warned that without a fundamental restructuring of global trade rules and investment flows, developing nations risk being locked out of the green transition.“The science is clear, and so is the responsibility,” she said. “We must shift from extractive to regenerative models and from short-term gain to long-term resilience. Trade and investment must become engines of sustainability, not barriers to it.”The minister highlighted Namibia’s green industrialisation blueprint as the foundation of a new growth model built on renewable energy, low-emission industries and African-built green value chains.Central to this vision is Namibia’s widely acclaimed green hydrogen programme, already attracting global investment and positioning Namibia as a future exporter of green fuels and green industrial materials.Daniel said Namibia is not merely planning for a low-carbon future – it is building it now. The minister highlighted the Oshivela (HyIron) Project, adding that the project is on track to deliver Africa’s first – and potentially the world’s first – renewable iron production facility powered entirely by green hydrogen.“This is not an aspiration,” Daniel stressed. “This is Africa proving that heavy industry can run on zero emissions.”Everyone has a role Namibia is also partnering with the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) through its industry decarbonisation programme, supporting cleaner mining, sustainable manufacturing, and early adoption of green technologies.Daniel was, however, equally clear that Namibia’s ambition cannot succeed without changes to global systems.She cautioned that carbon border taxes, restrictive standards and skewed market access risk turning climate action into a new obstacle for developing economies, unless reforms are driven by equity.“The global trade and finance architecture must evolve,” she said. “Green transitions must not become new trade barriers for the Global South.”Daniel called for three urgent priorities: aligning global trade with the Paris Agreement, directing climate finance into productive sectors in developing countries, and building resilient low-emission value chains that spread prosperity rather than vulnerability.Africa’s green momentShe underscored that Namibia is advancing its green industrialisation goals through African integration frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), SADC and the African Union’s green industrialisation strategy.The minister said by harmonising climate standards and scaling intra-African green trade, the continent can secure its rightful place in the emerging global green economy.“Namibia stands ready: ready to lead, ready to partner,” she declared. “Green industrialisation is not only possible; it is profitable.”

Namibia positions itself as Africa’s green industrial leader

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-25

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Namibia positions itself as Africa’s green industrial leader

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-25

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