The European Union (EU) is ready to support the implementing agency for the agreement on critical and sustainable raw materials as well as that for Green Hydrogen.

The Head of the EU Delegation in Namibia, Ambassador Sinikka Antila, and President Hage Geingob discussed this during a courtesy call at State House.

Namibia and the European Union signed a partnership on sustainable raw material value chains and renewable hydrogen in 2022 at the COP27 meeting in Egypt.

The agreement provides for a secure and sustainable supply of raw materials, especially those deemed critical to Europe.

Namibia expects an increase in job creation with value chains for resources developed locally and the creation of new industries.

A Strategic Partnership Roadmap has been finalised for implementation, including the establishment of an agency to oversee the process.

The European Union is ready to commit funds.

The EU is also pleased with the transparent manner in which the Green Hydrogen and related projects are being implemented so far.

President Geingob reiterated to the EU diplomat that there is no secrecy from the government around the projects, as claimed in some media reports.

He says the government has consulted stakeholders far and wide, especially in the ||Kharas region, where community meetings were assured of ongoing consultation. 

The EU delegation also revealed that a first-ever EU-Namibia business forum would be held later in the year.

A number of European companies, especially in the renewable energy sector, have expressed interest in being part of the business forum.