Namibia’s flagship green hydrogen project wins new AfDB backing

Namibia's plan to become a green hydrogen exporter took another step forward in September. On 22 September 2026, the African Development Bank (AfDB) selected Hyphen Hydrogen Energy for a $5.93 million reimbursable grant to help prepare its flagship project.

The grant

The money comes from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa's Africa Green Hydrogen Programme. Hyphen's project was one of four chosen from 81 submissions across 18 African countries, and received the largest allocation. It follows a $10 million AfDB grant announced in December 2025.

"Strategic backing from African and international lending institutions is vital as we advance through this crucial project preparation phase toward FID," said Hyphen CEO Marco Raffinetti.

The project

• About 7GW of solar and wind power and about 3GW of electrolysers, near Lüderitz on Namibia's southern coast.
• Up to 2 million tonnes of green ammonia a year at full scale, made using renewable power instead of fossil fuels.
• A final investment decision on the first phase, of 1 million tonnes a year, is targeted for the end of 2027.
• Up to 15,000 construction jobs and about 3,000 permanent jobs, with a target of 90% Namibian employment.

Hyphen says it plans to spend about N$54 billion with Namibian businesses, part of a commitment to put 30% of the project's value, estimated at more than $10 billion, into local procurement.

Why it matters

Green hydrogen and ammonia could help decarbonise shipping, fertiliser and heavy industry, and Namibia's strong sun and wind make it one of the best places in the world to produce them. If the project goes ahead, it would be one of the largest investments in Namibia's history. It is still at the preparation stage, so the investment decision is the milestone to watch.