N$42 million grant for sustainable green growth

Namibia’s green energy sector is poised to contribute significantly to global efforts to decarbonize, particularly in energy-intensive industries such as steel and shipping.



This was emphasized by Ana Beatriz Martins, the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Namibia, who highlighted the country’s green industrialization strategy as a driver of local job creation and economic growth, especially for the youth.



“The opportunities arising are unquestionable and already tangible,” she said during a N$42 million grant signing ceremony for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to promote inclusive and sustainable green growth in Namibia.



New partnerships for green growth

The EU delegation formalized partnerships with several organizations, including the Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC), Namibia Development Trust (NDT), Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF), Deutsche Welle, Namibia Media Trust, the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), and the Legal Assistance Center.



These partnerships aim to strengthen civil society’s capacity to engage in policy debates on Namibia’s burgeoning green energy and extractive industries. The focus will be on ensuring economic, environmental, and social sustainability.



Martins highlighted the significance of this milestone in EU-Namibia relations, particularly within the EU-Namibia Strategic Partnership on sustainable raw materials and renewable hydrogen value chains.



“The partnership has the potential to mobilize N$400 billion in European private investments—more than double Namibia’s GDP—enabling the country’s aspirations for green industrialization,” she said.



Mobilizing investments

Martins revealed that a pipeline of 7 to 9 private investment projects, led by European companies and supported by EU public grants, is already underway. Some projects are expected to reach final investment decisions by the end of 2025.



With the grants, the EU aims to facilitate inclusive processes where community concerns, especially those of women and youth, are considered in decision-making.



“We will also support the training of journalists to strengthen their technical and research capabilities, benefiting Namibia’s media landscape,” Martins added.



Good governance in extractive industries

The EU ambassador also highlighted the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), an international platform promoting good governance in the extractive industries.



“This framework is a valuable tool for fostering an environment where communities have access to information and can hold duty bearers accountable,” she said.



Namibia is currently considering accession to the EITI. If the government moves forward, Namibian CSOs will play a crucial role in monitoring and shaping the implementation of EITI standards both nationally and internationally.



“Namibia has the unique opportunity to become a global example of how resource wealth can drive inclusive, sustainable development,” Martins said, emphasizing that good governance principles instill trust, attract investors, and benefit Namibian citizens.



Ensuring developmental outcomes

Michael Humavindu, Executive Director of the National Planning Commission (NPC), underscored the importance of the grant in promoting well-informed community decisions around sustainable development.



“The NPC will ensure that appropriate monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are in place to assess the developmental outcomes of bilateral and multilateral aid as part of our overall planning frameworks,” Humavindu said.