The Namibian government has reaffirmed its commitment to using green hydrogen as a driver of rural development, employment and sustainable economic growth during an international monitoring mission at the Dâures Green Hydrogen Village in the Erongo Region. 

Officiating the event, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Ruthy Masake, said the Dâures Green Hydrogen Village is more than a renewable energy project, describing it as a model for integrating clean energy with agriculture, water security, skills development and local enterprise to improve livelihoods while strengthening climate resilience.

Masake said the project demonstrates how communal land can be transformed into a productive investment, creating jobs and unlocking sustainable rural development.

She urged project developers to continue using the land responsibly and explore opportunities to diversify its use to maximise socioeconomic benefits and provide land banking.

She also highlighted that the project aligns with the government's priorities of promoting climate-smart agriculture and inclusive economic transformation.

The monitoring mission brings together international and local partners, including the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the United Kingdom’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), to assess progress, strengthen partnerships and identify opportunities to enhance the long-term impact of the pioneering green hydrogen initiative.