Namibia Poised to Become Africa’s Premier Green Hydrogen Hub for Global Maritime Corridors
As international appetite intensifies for clean maritime fuels, Namibia is positioning itself as a central player in the emerging global green shipping economy. The country’s unique geographic and natural advantages—especially its vast solar and wind resources—are driving momentum for Namibia to become a vital green hydrogen and green ammonia production hub, transforming the landscape of global shipping corridors and opening up a new frontier for African industry.
Recent insights from Ian Dupont, deputy head of mission for the European Union delegation, underscore the strategic significance of Namibia’s green hydrogen ambitions. Dupont points out that, beyond direct exports, one of the most promising spin-offs of green hydrogen production is the manufacture of green ammonia—a fuel increasingly in demand by the international shipping sector as the industry pivots toward sustainability.
“Green ammonia, produced from hydrogen, is not just about exporting energy to Europe,” Dupont explains. “It’s about establishing Namibia as a global fuelling station—a pivotal refueling point for ships traversing the world’s busiest maritime corridors.”
Namibia’s role as an emerging energy powerhouse is being brought to life through initiatives like Cleanergy, an alliance between Namibian enterprise ONL and Belgium’s renowned shipping group CMB Tech. The latter, one of the world’s largest shipping companies, is actively investing in Namibia as part of its commitment to transition to clean maritime fuels—a signal that the country’s green hydrogen sector is capturing serious international attention.
“CMB Tech’s involvement is a game-changer. Their commitment to going green aligns perfectly with Namibia’s capacity to deliver those solutions,” Dupont notes. “Strategically, Namibia is ideally placed to serve as a clean refueling stop for vessels plying routes from Asia, around the Cape, and onward to Europe or the Americas.”
This vision aligns with a broader global movement to establish green maritime corridor shipping routes. These corridors are being designed so that ships can refuel with zero-carbon energy sources at key points along major international trade pathways. To further this agenda, Namibia is hosting a major conference in November focused on green shipping corridors—a gathering that promises to cement the country’s reputation as a leader in sustainable marine logistics.
What gives Namibia its competitive edge? Dupont emphasizes the country’s “abundance of solar and wind power in southern Namibia,” which results in exceptionally low electricity costs. This, in turn, makes the production of green hydrogen far more affordable and scalable than in many competing regions—an advantage that few countries can match. Access to seawater for large-scale desalination projects is another critical factor, supporting both hydrogen and ammonia production in an environmentally responsible way.
For African travel and logistics stakeholders, Namibia’s emergence as a green hydrogen hub offers profound implications. As the global maritime industry shifts to cleaner fuels, the country’s ports could see a resurgence in activity, attracting international shipping lines seeking sustainable refueling stations. This evolution could spur a wave of new infrastructure investments—ranging from upgraded port facilities and storage terminals to logistics services and hospitality offerings tailored to the needs of international crew and technical teams.
Namibia’s green hydrogen push also dovetails with the continent’s broader ambitions for sustainable development and economic diversification. By leveraging its natural endowments—sunshine, wind, and seawater—Namibia is effectively “mining an infinite resource,” according to Dupont. This paradigm shift could generate export earnings, create jobs, and anchor Namibia’s position as a gateway for clean energy trade between Africa, Europe, and Asia.
Importantly, the sector is still in its infancy, presenting a window of opportunity for African entrepreneurs, investors, and service providers to shape the emerging ecosystem. The development of green hydrogen infrastructure will require expertise in engineering, logistics, environmental management, and digital technologies—fields where local talent can play a central role. Regional travel and logistics networks can also capitalize on increased business travel and international collaboration as Namibia becomes a focal point for green energy innovation.
Looking ahead, the success of projects like Cleanergy could serve as a blueprint for other African nations seeking to harness renewable energy for high-value industries. The emergence of Namibia as a “clean-energy pit stop” for global shipping not only amplifies its strategic importance, but also signals a new era of African participation in the world’s green transition.
As Namibia prepares to welcome delegates to its landmark green shipping conference this November, its message is clear: the nation stands ready to supply the world’s ships with the clean fuels of tomorrow, while anchoring its own prosperity in the fast-growing global green economy. For Africa’s travel and logistics sector, this is more than a trend—it’s the dawn of a transformative opportunity on the world stage.
