Frieda Stephanus: A young engineer champions Namibia’s green vision

Namibia’s shift toward a cleaner energy future is gaining momentum and young leaders are stepping up to ensure communities are part of that transition. Among them is Frieda Stephanus, the green hydrogen youth ambassador representing the //Kharas region, who is working to connect technical knowledge with community understanding.The Green Hydrogen Youth Ambassadors Programme (GH2 YAP) was conceptualised by Hyphen Hydrogen Energy as a flagship youth mobilisation initiative to ensure young Namibians are actively included in shaping the country’s green hydrogen future. Hyphen approached the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGHP) to partner in delivering the initiative under the Energy Partnership financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWK), which now serves as its implementation vehicle.Stephanus’s life has taken her across several Namibian towns, Tsumis Park, Arandis and Swakopmund, experiences that have built her resilience and curiosity. After high school, she trained in electrical general at the Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT), later adding N4–N6 qualifications from the College of Cape Town. Her industry roles at the US Embassy and Namdock strengthened her technical grounding and motivated her to pursue a BSc in Electrical Engineering (Honours).Going beyond the classroomShe discovered the ambassador programme through a LinkedIn repost and immediately felt drawn to it. The opportunity to step into a growing energy sector and to contribute beyond the classroom motivated her to apply. For Frieda, GH2 YAP offered a chance to merge her engineering background with a real national need.Stephanus believes green hydrogen can change the trajectory of Namibia’s economy by creating jobs, building new skills and positioning the country as a continental leader. Projects such as Cleanergy Solutions, HyIron Oshivela, and the Daures GH2 Village demonstrate that progress is already happening on the ground.Her most eye-opening moment came during the GH2 YA training, which clarified how the technology works and why Namibia is well-placed to lead. Participating in the Global African Green Hydrogen Summit strengthened her confidence in the country’s potential.Stephanus wants to make green hydrogen relatable for her community, explaining how it links to jobs, skills and long-term opportunities. Her goal is to inspire more young people to see themselves in the energy sector and to help ensure that the transition remains inclusive.

Frieda Stephanus: A young engineer champions Namibia’s green vision

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Namibian Sun 2026-01-09

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Frieda Stephanus: A young engineer champions Namibia’s green vision

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Namibian Sun 2026-01-09

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