Staff Writer
Namibia’s former Green Hydrogen Commissioner, James Mnyupe, has officially left his government role to take on his “dream job.”
He stepped down on 1 November 2025 to take up a major role as Senior Vice President for Sub-Saharan Africa at thyssenkrupp Uhde.
“I now get to do what I have dreamt, what an honour!,” he said.
Mnyupe, who created and led the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme since 2023, called the move the fulfilment of a long-held dream. He is widely viewed as the driving force behind the green hydrogen industry which is still in its formative stages in Namibia.
“I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Senior Vice President Sub-Sahara Africa at thyssenkrupp Uhde!” he wrote on LinkedIn.
“I am particularly excited about this next chapter which allows me to work with visionary partners such as the Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia, ANPG in Angola, CMB.TECH in Namibia, Sasol in South Africa, Africa Climate Ventures in Kenya, Metis Capital Partners in Nigeria to name but a few and dynamic Governments from across 49 countries.”
Mnyupe said they will deliver cutting-edge plants and strategic solutions that will engender the sustainable industrialisation he so passionately pursued over the past five years.
Proponents of the industry say green hydrogen is a game changer for Namibia’s future in synthetic energy but critics argue the concept is being oversold.
The green hydrogen industry is viewed as a legacy project for late President Hage Geingob who christened Mnyupe as the country’s first Green Hydrogen Commissioner.
Mnyupe’s resignation comes amid reports of internal tensions and political interference.
He now leaves a programme, which he built on promises of jobs.
The Green Industrialisation Blueprint projected up to 250 000 jobs.
185 000 direct jobs would come from building wind and solar farms, operating pipelines, and assembling electrolysers.
Another 70 000 jobs were expected in supporting industries like concrete, metals, and business services.
Former Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Natangue Ithete last month said the institution being joined by Mynupe is not hosted under the government.
“While the government welcomes the establishment of such an institute as a private initiative, it is not part of, nor connected to the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme,” Ithete said.
“The Green Hydrogen Programme remains a government-led strategic priority and a cornerstone of Namibia’s vision to harness renewable resources for industrial development.”
Ithete added the government remains unwavering in its commitment to green industrialisation, as outlined in the National Development Plan Six (NDP6).
Industry experts remain cautious.
Rowland Brown, director of Cirrus, said green hydrogen is still experimental and has limited international off-takers.
Mynupe’s exit marks a turning point for Namibia’s green hydrogen ambitions.
While the programme searches for new leadership, Mnype moves on to a role spanning 49 African countries, ready to deliver his vision of sustainable industrialisation across the continent.
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