In an effort to ensure that Namibia is ready to develop its green hydrogen industry and related human resources capabilities, 70 Namibians have been awarded scholarships to learn, conduct research, and upskill.
The scholarships were awarded through the Namibian Youth for Green Hydrogen (Y4GH) Scholarship Programme.
This programme was designed to ensure an output of trained Namibians who are fit for the Green Hydrogen Energy Project.
Of the scholarships awarded, 49 are for master's studies, while 21 are for Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET).
"Now they are currently studying at local tertiary institutions both at the Master's level and TVET. 24 of them at UNAM and 25 of them at NUST; 21 of the beneficiaries are at our TVET centres across the country. The beauty of this project is that it's not a one-year thing. And during that time they will be monitored closely; it is important that proper negotiation takes place as to where they will end up, which will be mapped out during their training," said Dr. Itah Kandji-Murangi.
The German government has made available about N$87 million towards the Green Hydrogen Scholarships for Namibian youth.
"Out of the partnership, about €5 million, or about N$100 million, was set aside for the Namibian Youth Green Hydrogen Scholarship Programme, which is fully funded by Germany's Ministry of Education and Research and is a five-year programme."
The first intake of the scholarships closed in May. The second intake is expected to resume next month.
"This morning I am actually launching the second campaign that will lead to the selection and awarding of those who will form the second beneficiaries under the Namibia Youth for green hydrogen scholarships. In the second campaign, in a few days, teams will be going out to the regions, and this is important because we want to see regional presentations in those that will be funded. As they go out, these teams will engage people, and the month of August is set aside for the actual application to be open."
The Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL) was appointed as the implementing agency for the scholarships.
"We really want to keep it separate from our normal NSFAF scholarship, so SASSCAL will be managing this programme because they have experience doing this with the German government, and since it is the first time for us as a country, it was important that the country that they come on board."
The minister encouraged those interested in the scholarship programme to apply.