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Namibia has taken a major step toward establishing a regulated and sustainable green hydrogen industry with the finalisation of the Draft National Policy on Green Hydrogen and Derivatives. The policy, crafted by the Legal Business Unit of the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P), is now under review by the Cabinet, according to the programme’s Green Hydrogen Mid-Year Review 2025.
Submitted in April 2025 to the Executive Director of the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy (MIME) and the Directorate: Energy, the policy outlines a comprehensive strategy to develop a safe, environmentally responsible, and socially inclusive green hydrogen sector. It sets the groundwork for forthcoming legislation aimed at fostering economic diversification, protecting the environment, ensuring worker safety, and promoting social development. “The Legal Unit has finalised the draft National Policy on Green Hydrogen and Derivatives, which was subsequently submitted to the Executive Director of MIME and the Directorate: Energy in April 2025,” the report noted.
As part of the policy implementation, MIME and the Legal Unit have begun the procurement process for legal drafting services. Once the Cabinet completes its review and provides feedback, formal drafting of green hydrogen legislation will begin, followed by nationwide public consultations to ensure broad input and engagement.“Thereafter, country-wide consultations on the policy and draft legislation will be undertaken,” the report stated.
In the interim, the Legal Unit continues to apply existing legal frameworks to regulate sector activities and attract investment. These transitional measures aim to keep the momentum of development while the legislative framework is still in progress.
Beyond policy formulation, the Legal Unit plays a vital role in supporting major agreements. Notably, it has been instrumental in implementing the Feasibility and Implementation Agreement (FIA) signed between the Namibian Government and Hyphen Hydrogen Energy (Pty) Ltd. From February to December 2024, the Legal Unit ensured that the government met all conditions precedent, thereby unlocking N$247 million (€12 million) in funding for the feasibility phase, which will run from December 2024 through December 2026.
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Additionally, the unit is conducting a review of the national ownership and governance model, evaluating its relevance and adaptability to the green hydrogen sector. This work is intended to ensure that Namibia adopts governance mechanisms that balance local benefits, investment interests, and long-term sustainability. The draft policy is expected to serve as a cornerstone for Namibia’s green hydrogen legislation, positioning the country as a leader in Africa’s renewable energy transition.
