Namibia urged to plan well for oil,gas and green hydrogen industries

Mines and energy minister Tom Alweendo says it is important that Namibia approaches oil and gas discoveries with foresight and care.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that we cannot afford to squander. Something that we must make sure propels us to prosperity and makes us proud Namibians. We thus need to approach this opportunity judiciously – always emphasising the ethos of, among others, meritocracy, pragmatism, integrity and honesty and accountability,” he says.

Alweendo further says as Namibians tap into resources, they should commit to responsible extraction practices that prioritise environmental preservation.

“We have seen the lessons from countries around the world, where poorly regulated oil and gas activities led to ecological degradation and harm to communities. We cannot and must not repeat such mistakes. Our approach must be centred on smart regulation, transparency, inclusiveness and environmental stewardship,” he adds.

Alweendo’s comments were delivered in a speech read by mines and energy executive director Penda Ithindi during the 16th Erongo Business and Tourism Expo at Walvis Bay yesterday.

Alweendo said Namibia also needs to ensure that the oil and gas sector serves as a bridge to a diversified economy, with revenue reinvested in innovation, social services and industries that will sustain Namibia long after the oil has run out.

He also motivated local businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, to take advantage of the sector by innovating, up-skilling and positioning themselves well for the many opportunities that could come their way.

This year’s expo is themed ‘Embracing Sustainable Growth and Technological Advancement in Namibia’s Upcoming Oil, Gas and Green Hydrogen Industries’.

Amid efforts to reduce carbon emissions across all industries, Namibia and the Erongo region are in a position to host a range of new industries, including green iron production, green shipping fuel bunkering and green fertiliser manufacturing.

At the expo, Erongo governor Neville Andre said emerging industries promise to strengthen the country, create jobs, foster innovation and extend opportunities to the youth and women, among others.

“However, as we embark on this journey, we must do so with responsibility and foresight. Sustainable practices must be embedded in every facet of our resource management and business approaches.

We have a unique opportunity to develop a model that balances economic growth with environmental stewardship, ensuring that our natural treasures are preserved for future generations.

“Technology will play an indispensable role in our transition to a greener economy, especially as we explore innovative solutions to meet the challenges posed by our rapidly changing world,” Andre said.

He encouraged businesses and other stakeholders “to leverage this expo as a platform for collaboration, idea exchange and the exploration of new technologies that can elevate our industries to new heights”.

ErongoRed is the main sponsor of the expo, which serves as a platform for local businesses to showcase their products and services to local, regional and global audiences.

This year, the expo is also showcasing products and services from 165 exhibitors.