The HyIron Oshivela Plant, the first carbon-neutral production site in Africa, located near Arandis in the Erongo Region, has been inaugurated.

This is a confirmation of Namibia's path towards green industrialisation.

The six hundred million dollar investment attracted global collaboration from the European Union, the USA, China, Japan, and the UK.

The plant, constructed in under 12 months, created approximately 400 jobs during its first phase, with 90 percent of workers being Namibian youth.

The Oshivela facility is one of the green iron plants committed to zero-emissions production.

In her inauguration address, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah hailed the project as a testament to Namibia's potential to become a global leader in sustainable industry.

She said the plant is a symbol of what visionary leadership and international cooperation can achieve.

Initially introduced to the project in 2023 as Deputy Prime Minister, Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed pride in seeing the vision become reality.

The president emphasised the project's alignment with national goals of value addition, job creation, and industrialisation.

The plant was constructed by Namibians.

"They have shown the world that Namibia is prepared to lead, to innovate, and to inspire. It must also be a clear message to other investors that, with the right attitude and good preparation, Namibia is ready to provide the necessary skills. That is to say, Namibia not only possesses raw materials and renewable energy but importantly has the required human capital, the political will, and a deep commitment to global sustainability goals. We are not merely awaiting the future; we are building it here and now."

Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah called for further investment, assuring international partners of a conducive environment.

The Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Natangwe Ithete, praised the country's bold move towards clean energy.

"Namibia has taken a bold and forward-thinking step by investing in clean technology and developing low to zero-carbon industrial models. Our approach focuses on building sustainable industrial clusters that not only reduce emissions but also respond to new global trade trends, where carbon-heavy products are increasingly being taxed or restricted."

EU Ambassador Ana Beatriz Martins highlighted the EU and Germany's support, which includes new grants worth N$258 million to scale up the project.

She also announced a N$430 billion investment in Namibia's green hydrogen sector.

"The two-year pilot phase harnessed cutting-edge German technology for a world new product, helped by over 60 Namibian small and medium-sized enterprises and over 400 Namibian workers, who were involved in building this state-of-the-art industrial plant we see before us. And this is just the beginning, as in Phase 2 the plant will grow tenfold."

The HyIron Oshivela Plant is powered by a 44,000 panel solar-driven smart micro-grid and cutting-edge hydrogen technology.

The project employs more than 200 locals.