Erongo Governor Neville Andre says the world is transitioning to a green economy, with governments and businesses alike increasingly recognising the importance of environmentally friendly practices.

This shift, Neville Andre says, presents a unique opportunity for Namibia.

The governor was speaking at the Kingdom Ministries Workshop on the Changing Economic Landscape at Walvis Bay.

Andre says that Walvis Bay and Swakopmund present substantial opportunities in renewable energy development, driven by their natural conditions and infrastructure.

He also added that offshore wind potential along the coast, particularly near Walvis Bay, also holds promise for wind energy development.

Therefore, he says investing in these renewable energy sources could help Namibia achieve energy independence, reduce carbon emissions, and meet the growing demand for electricity.

"These projects can also create new jobs, stimulate local economies, and attract international investment in clean energy technologies. In addition to renewable energy, recent discoveries of oil and gas reserves onshore and offshore along the Namibian coast present significant opportunities for economic growth. Exploration activities have identified oil and gas fields that could potentially boost the country's energy sector and contribute to government revenues through exports."

Andre says developing the necessary infrastructure, such as pipelines, storage facilities, and refining capacities, would be crucial to capitalize on these. 

Furthermore, he says, balancing the oil and gas sector with renewable energy initiatives will be key to ensuring sustainable energy development, minimizing environmental impact, and positioning Namibia as an emerging player in Africa's energy landscape.

Erongo Governor says the green economy is not limited to energy, it extends to agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and even fishing, which is one of the backbone industries of this region.