Green hydrogen targets 2,3% unemployment rate in six years

Green hydrogen commissioner James Mnyupe says the sector is looking to bring unemployment down from 32,4% to 2,3%.

He was speaking during the Namibia International Energy Conference in Windhoek yesterday.

Mnyupe said the commission aims to reduce the country’s Gini coefficient from 0,56 to 0,30.

The Gini coefficient measures wealth inequality within a population, where 0 represents perfect equality, while 1 represents perfect inequality.

“We are looking to build an industry and not just propose green hydrogen. There are opportunities that exist within the value chain,” said Mnyupe.

Speaking on the challenges and opportunities in promoting local content development in the energy sector, Sukkur Electric Supply Company executive director Yves Tchieji said Namibia should leverage the current education and language proficiency.

Furthermore, Tchieji added that it is important to lay a solid foundation for sustainable local content development.

“To be able to build a sustainable local country is just like a house, you must have a solid foundation.”

He urged stakeholders to focus on planning and policies to support the growth of indigenous businesses.

Colibri Business Development chief executive Ileana Ferber addressed the challenges faced by local suppliers, particularly regarding cash flow management and access to opportunities.

Ferber said big companies should support small suppliers through flexible payment terms.

“As big companies, how you can support this big challenge is by providing flexible payment terms,” said Ferber
Ferber also advised public-private partnerships (PPP) to bridge the gap between small entrepreneurs and big industry players.

“The private sector, combined with the public sector, this is the PPP, to collaborate and give access to opportunities,” said Ferber.

Adding to the discussion, Oryx Services managing director Abisai Konstantinus said there is a need for a local content unit to balance government initiatives and entrepreneurial needs.

He said the role of such a unit will be helpful in addressing barriers to entry and facilitating employment creation within the industry.