Namibian youth powering a green hydrogen future

Ambassadors lead the charge
Francouis Pretorius
  • 7 Hours Ago
Young Namibians are stepping up to shape the country’s energy future through the Green Hydrogen Youth Ambassadors Programme (GH2 YAP), launched by Hyphen Hydrogen Energy in July 2025. The initiative, delivered in partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGHP), aims to empower youth across all 14 regions to become informed advocates for Namibia’s green hydrogen industry.



The programme targets young people aged 18 to 35, particularly those in STEM fields, equipping them to engage their communities in conversations about renewable energy, climate change and the economic opportunities linked to green hydrogen. Over an intensive five-day course, participants explore the fundamentals of hydrogen production, Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Strategy, the National Industrialisation Roadmap, and Hyphen’s Southern Corridor Development Initiative (SCDI) project. The curriculum combines expert lectures with hands-on group work, debates, and presentations to ensure an interactive and practical learning experience.



“Green hydrogen isn’t just an energy source, it’s a catalyst for Namibia’s inclusive and sustainable future,” says Youth Ambassador Maandero Ngatjizeko. “The programme has built networks and knowledge, allowing us to engage our communities actively.”



Ambassadors return to their regions ready to lead awareness campaigns, community workshops, and peer-learning sessions. Samuel Rukoro, representing the Erongo Region, emphasises the importance of broad engagement: “Green hydrogen belongs to every Namibian, not just those living near project zones. Expanding outreach ensures that youth everywhere can benefit and participate.”



The initiative also opens doors for young people to explore career opportunities in renewable energy. As Martin Sibupiwa Mapute, ambassador for the Zambezi Region, notes, “Green hydrogen can create jobs, improve agriculture and reduce climate impacts. Engaging young people now ensures that Namibia harnesses these benefits for generations to come.”



Hyphen Hydrogen Energy and its partners view the programme as more than training, and rather as a movement. By nurturing a network of young change-makers, GH2 YAP ensures that knowledge, innovation, and dialogue about Namibia’s green hydrogen sector reach every corner of the country, preparing youth to lead the transition toward a cleaner, more sustainable, and economically vibrant future.