Namibia pursues green energy transition and circular economy policies

Namibia is working toward integrating green energy transitions with petroleum development to drive economic growth. Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse stated that petroleum production, if commercially viable, should be used to build lasting assets such as infrastructure, skills, and renewable energy capacity.

Under the sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), Namibia aims for 7% economic growth and a 75% employment rate by 2030. The plan also targets increasing manufacturing to 18% of GDP and expanding electricity access from 59% to 70%.

Separately, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism is in the initial stages of developing a national circular economy policy. While budgetary constraints have slowed progress, a consultant has been appointed to drive the process in collaboration with the Environmental Investment Fund. The policy intends to embed circularity within the energy, waste, and industrial sectors. Capacity-building efforts are also underway through collaborations between Finnish universities and the Namibia University of Science and Technology to strengthen local expertise in bio-based and recycling-based materials.