Namibia has invested in the world’s first zero-carbon emission plant with its HyIron Oshivela Plant in Windhoek, which produces iron using entirely green hydrogen. The breakthrough comes under the leadership of Namibia’s newly elected female President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who inaugurated the pioneering facility.
The project demonstrates Africa’s potential to develop competitive green industries while addressing global climate challenges. Additionally, it positions the Southern African nation at the forefront of sustainable industrialization and clean energy innovation.
Johannes Michels, HyIron’s Managing Director, emphasized the commercial viability of the technology: “Our goal is to produce green iron at price parity with conventional methods. When consumers can choose between equally priced green and conventional products, the transition becomes inevitable.” He said.
The zero-emission development aligns with Namibia’s broader green hydrogen strategy, which includes five major projects scheduled for final investment decisions in 2025-2026. It reflects growing momentum across Africa to leverage renewable resources for industrial development.
The African Union has identified green industrialization as critical to achieving Agenda 2063 objectives. Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid, AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, noted that “Africa is uniquely positioned to bypass traditional carbon-intensive development models through strategic investments in clean energy infrastructure.”
Namibia will further consolidate its leadership role when it hosts the Global African Hydrogen Summit in September 2025. The event will focus on accelerating investment and policy frameworks for renewable energy projects across the continent.
Therefore, the HyIron achievement demonstrates how targeted innovation can position African nations as competitive players in the global green economy. With its combination of abundant renewable resources and progressive policy frameworks, Namibia offers a replicable model for sustainable industrialization across the continent.
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