Minister Alweendo Launches Global African Hydrogen Summit 2024

Windhoek, Namibia – Namibian Mines and Energy Minister, Honourable Tom Alweendo, has officially inaugurated the Global African Hydrogen Summit (GAH2S) in Windhoek, marking a significant milestone in Africa’s energy landscape. The summit, the first of its kind on the continent, attracted representatives from over 26 countries and stakeholders from various sectors of the burgeoning hydrogen industry. Scheduled from 3 – 5 September 2024, the summit aims to position Namibia as a strategic hub for sustainable energy development.

Minister Alweendo underscored the urgent need to address climate change and energy security, stressing the importance of hydrogen as a key solution to Africa’s energy needs. Namibia, with its abundance of renewable resources, including solar, wind, and biomass, is well-positioned to emerge as the sustainable energy capital of Africa. Moreover, the potential to produce green hydrogen at a competitive cost further strengthens Namibia’s role in driving the transition towards net-zero emissions.

James Mnyupe, Green Hydrogen Commissioner of Namibia, hailed the advent of green industrialization, emphasizing hydrogen’s role as an accelerator towards achieving the government’s Vision 2030. Nangula Uaandja, Chairperson and CEO of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, echoed the government’s commitment to green investments and emphasized the importance of local content, skills development, and youth engagement in driving the hydrogen value chain.

The Global African Hydrogen Summit aims to address key challenges hindering the adoption of hydrogen technologies, including financing, investment, infrastructure development, and policy regulation. By convening stakeholders from various sectors, the summit seeks to foster collaboration, shape policy frameworks, and drive critical investment and financing in the hydrogen sector.

Themed “From Ambition to Action: Fuelling Africa’s Green Industrial Revolution,” the three-day summit will showcase pan-African projects and investment opportunities across hydrogen, renewables, power, infrastructure, transportation, and mobility sectors. With the support of strategic partners such as the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, the summit is expected to attract over 2000 attendees from more than 65 countries worldwide.

Minister Alweendo extended a warm invitation to African countries and the global community to participate in the Global African Hydrogen Summit. He emphasized the importance of forging partnerships to unlock Africa’s renewable energy potential, enhance energy security, and accelerate the continent’s transition towards sustainable development.

”On behalf of the Namibian government, I hereby extend an invitation to our fellow African countries, and the rest of the world to join us at the Global Africa Hydrogen Summit in Windhoek, to exchange ideas and forge partnerships that will help us unlock the full potential of our renewable energy resources, enhance energy security on the continent and beyond.”