• Market Watch

HyIron Oshivela plant opens door to billions in ‘green investment’ for Namibia

• 2 Days Ago - 2025-04-17 00:00:00

Namibia is poised to attract over N$430 billion in new green energy investment, following the inauguration of the HyIron Oshivela plant near Arandis – the world’s first industrial facility producing green iron at zero emissions.
European Union ambassador to Namibia Ana Beatriz Martins confirmed last week that “at least seven European companies are seeking to invest in Namibia’s green hydrogen economy,” with a combined project pipeline valued at more than €20 billion (N$430 billion). The EU and the Netherlands are contributing an additional €12.9 million (N$282 million) to Namibia’s SDG1
Fund to support the plant’s next phase.
“This is just the beginning,” said Martins. “HyIron is a global pioneer – and the result of a strategic partnership between Namibia and the European Union that is delivering concrete benefits. As HyIron enters Phase Two to scale up production tenfold, we are deepening our investment in Namibia’s future.”
The N$600 million HyIron Oshivela Plant, co-funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, has redefined Namibia’s industrial capacity and positioned the country as a key global supplier in low-carbon value chains.
Germany’s State Secretary for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Udo Philipp, said the plant’s potential is still unfolding.
“Future scaling to two million tonnes of green iron per year is already under consideration,” he said. “The successful completion of this project clearly shows the advantages associated with the market for hydrogen equipment. This is a win-win partnership. German companies are already investing into the green transition, and demand is increasing – particularly for green steel in the automotive sector.”
Namibia’s strategic location, abundant renewable energy, and policy stability are now seen as competitive gateways into future green supply chains.
“To potential investors, I am assuring you that Namibia is ready for business,” said President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah during the inauguration. “Our pledge to peace, stability and the rule of law is unwavering – but we are equally clear that local beneficiation must be respected. Our vision is value addition, not just extraction.”
The Oshivela Plant, developed by HyIron with the support of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), is among several green hydrogen projects reshaping the Erongo Region’s economy.
Erongo governor Neville Andre said the region is currently hosting five hydrogen-related projects.
“From job creation to skills development, infrastructure upgrades to agri-investment, this industry is reshaping our landscape,” he said. “Our communities are witnessing how green hydrogen can empower the youth and uplift enterprises.”
He highlighted the Daures Green Hydrogen Project, where over 201 jobs have already been created, with 80 individuals recruited from the Daures Constituency. A total of 23 SMEs have been appointed, seven of them local, and 77% of the workers are youth.
Andre also noted the achievements of Cleanergy’s plant in Walvis Bay, the first in Africa to produce hydrogen directly from solar energy and dispense it at a public refuelling station. The project is also converting trucks to use dual-fuel hydrogen systems and houses the Hydrogen Academy, which is training Namibians in the full hydrogen value chain.
Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Commissioner James Mnyupe said international offtake discussions are already under way.
“We are already in discussions with buyers from Germany, Japan and beyond,” he said. “Some of the largest equipment came from China, some of the first purchases are expected from Japanese auto manufacturers, and strategic equity partners from Europe are behind us.”
Beyond capital, the EU and its member states are supporting Namibia’s broader energy transition through port upgrades, technical training and civil society engagement.
“Between our public and private sectors, we now have at least six European countries active in Namibia’s green energy economy,” Martins said. “The roadmap we launched after the 2022 MoU between President Geingob and Ursula von der Leyen is now delivering real results.”
Namibia is poised to attract over N$430 billion in new green energy investment, following the inauguration of the HyIron Oshivela plant near Arandis – the world’s first industrial facility producing green iron at zero emissions.
European Union ambassador to Namibia Ana Beatriz Martins confirmed last week that “at least seven European companies are seeking to invest in Namibia’s green hydrogen economy,” with a combined project pipeline valued at more than €20 billion (N$430 billion). The EU and the Netherlands are contributing an additional €12.9 million (N$282 million) to Namibia’s SDG1 Fund to support the plant’s next phase.
“This is just the beginning,” said Martins. “HyIron is a global pioneer – and the result of a strategic partnership between Namibia and the European Union that is delivering concrete benefits. As HyIron enters Phase Two to scale up production tenfold, we are deepening our investment in Namibia’s future.”
The N$600 million HyIron Oshivela Plant, co-funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, has redefined Namibia’s industrial capacity and positioned the country as a key global supplier in low-carbon value chains.
Germany’s State Secretary for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Udo Philipp, said the plant’s potential is still unfolding.
“Future scaling to two million tonnes of green iron per year is already under consideration,” he said. “The successful completion of this project clearly shows the advantages associated with the market for hydrogen equipment. This is a win-win partnership. German companies are already investing into the green transition, and demand is increasing – particularly for green steel in the automotive sector.”
Namibia’s strategic location, abundant renewable energy, and policy stability are now seen as competitive gateways into future green supply chains.
“To potential investors, I am assuring you that Namibia is ready for business,” said President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah during the inauguration. “Our pledge to peace, stability and the rule of law is unwavering – but we are equally clear that local beneficiation must be respected. Our vision is value addition, not just extraction.”
The Oshivela Plant, developed by HyIron with the support of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), is among several green hydrogen projects reshaping the Erongo Region’s economy.
Erongo governor Neville Andre said the region is currently hosting five hydrogen-related projects.
“From job creation to skills development, infrastructure upgrades to agri-investment, this industry is reshaping our landscape,” he said. “Our communities are witnessing how green hydrogen can empower youth and uplift enterprises.”
He highlighted the Daures Green Hydrogen Project, where over 201 jobs have already been created, with 80 individuals recruited from the Daures Constituency. A total of 23 SMEs have been appointed, seven of them local, and 77% of the workers are youth.
Andre also noted the achievements of Cleanergy’s plant in Walvis Bay, the first in Africa to produce hydrogen directly from solar energy and dispense it at a public refuelling station. The project is also converting trucks to use dual-fuel hydrogen systems and houses the Hydrogen Academy, which is training Namibians in the full hydrogen value chain.
Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Commissioner James Mnyupe said international offtake discussions are already under way.
“We are already in discussions with buyers from Germany, Japan and beyond,” he said. “Some of the largest equipment came from China, some of the first purchases are expected from Japanese auto manufacturers, and strategic equity partners from Europe are behind us.”
Beyond capital, the EU and its member states are supporting Namibia’s broader energy transition through port upgrades, technical training and civil society engagement.
“Between our public and private sectors, we now have at least six European countries active in Namibia’s green energy economy,” Martins said. “The roadmap we launched after the 2022 MoU between President Geingob and Ursula von der Leyen is now delivering real results.”