Imelda Ambondo
Director General of the National Planning Commission, Kaire Mbuende says Namibia will accelerate its transition towards low-carbon industrial development. from the US$ 250 million (about N$4 billion) from the Climate Investment Funds Industrial Decarbonisation Programme.
Speaking at a stakeholders workshop on Wednesday Mbuende said the financial support presents a strategic opportunity for Namibia to accelerate economic development and diversification.
“The Climate Investment Funds Industrial Decarbonisation Programme represents a strategic opportunity for Namibia to accelerate its agenda for economic development and diversification as outlined in NDP6. Through this initiative, the country has secured access to up to USD 250 million in concessional climate finance to support the transition toward low-carbon industrial development,” he said.
Mbuende said the financing facility would help turn national policy into practical industrial investments.
“This facility is more than a source of financing. It is a catalytic instrument that enables Namibia to translate national policy into practical industrial investments. By supporting Namibian-owned projects and mobilising private sector participation, the programme will help unlock industrial infrastructure, stimulate investment, and reduce pressure on the national fiscus,” he said.
According to Mbuende, Namibia has set targets under the sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) aimed at strengthening economic transformation and resilience.
“Under Pillar One of NDP6, Namibia has set ambitious targets aimed at strengthening economic transformation and resilience. These include the expansion of manufacturing, increased contribution of secondary industries to national output, and the creation of thousands of green jobs by 2030,” he said.
He said that achieving these goals requires sustained investment in industrial infrastructure, clean energy systems and modern production capabilities.
Mbuende said proposed investments under the programme focus on mineral beneficiation, low-carbon manufacturing, industrial system decarbonisation and value addition in critical minerals.
“These initiatives will modernise Namibia’s production systems, expand industrial value chains, and position the country competitively within emerging global green markets,” he said.
He added that the investments will also increase demand for supporting infrastructure such as energy transmission networks, logistics corridors, industrial parks, water infrastructure and digital systems, which are priority investment areas under NDP6.
The workshop brought together government officials, private sector representatives and development partners, including the Climate Investment Funds, the World Bank Group, the African Development Bank and the International Finance Corporation.
Mbuende said the engagement of these institutions brings not only financing but also global expertise and technical knowledge that will support Namibia’s transition to climate-aligned industries.
“This workshop therefore serves an important purpose. It provides clarity on the CIF financing framework, strengthens alignment between project proposals and national priorities, and establishes a practical pathway for moving projects from concept to investment readiness,” he said.
He said the expected outcomes include a stronger pipeline of bankable green industrial projects, expanded domestic manufacturing capacity, growth in mineral beneficiation industries and increased employment opportunities for Namibians.
Mbuende also highlighted the coordinating role of the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme in advancing Namibia’s green industrial agenda.
“The Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme plays an important coordinating role in advancing the country’s green industrial agenda through mobilising investment, coordinating stakeholders, and supporting project preparation,” he said.
He added that Namibia is ready to move from policy ambition to implementation.
“Namibia now stands ready to move from policy ambition to industrial implementation. The Industrial Decarbonisation Programme offers a unique platform to build modern industries, strengthen infrastructure, create sustainable jobs, and accelerate inclusive economic growth,” Mbuende said.
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