Building Namibia's renewable energy future through skills development in green hydrogen

NAMIBIAS aim to become a world leader in green hydrogen is accelerating, with major projects planned for the Kharas Region and other high-resource areas. The country’s abundant sunshine, strong coastal winds, and strategic export position have already attracted international investment, particularly around Liideritz, where large-scale renewable energy developments are taking shape.

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Yet the true measure of success will not be the megawatts produced, or tonnes of hydrogen exported, it will be whether Namibians themselves are at the centre of building and running this industry. Achieving that means rapidly equipping the local workforce with the right skills, certifications, and experience to meet global standards.

More than energy, it’s a driver of economic transformation

Green hydrogen is more than a power generation solution. It's Namibia's chance to diversify its economy, reduce reliance on imported electricity, and stimulate growth across logistics, manufacturing, and services. Large-scale projects have the potential to create long-term, high-value jobs across multiple sectors, supporting the country’s industrialisation ambitions.

Liideritz, in the Kharas Region, is a focal point for these developments. The area benefits from exceptional wind conditions, high solar potential, and access to port infrastructure.

While cultural heritage considerations at Liideritz harbour, particularly at Shark Island, have influenced export planning, alternative routes through South Africa are being explored.

Creating sustainable jobs across the value chain

Renewable energy developments require a range of roles across different project stages. During construction, demand spans project and construction managers, artisans, civil engineers, scaffolders, and safety officers.

Once operational, plants will rely on technicians, mechanical and electrical engineers, logistics coordinators, and operations and maintenance specialists.