Namibia energy reset as hydrogen partner exits and president tightens control

Tuesday 4th November 2025

by inAfrika Newsroom

Namibia energy reset is underway. German utility RWE last month quit a non-binding offtake track for the $10 billion Hyphen green hydrogen scheme, citing portfolio focus. Moreover, project backers said talks continue with other buyers and that ESIA work remains on schedule.

At the same time, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah removed the mines and energy minister on October 26 and briefly took the portfolio to ensure continuity before appointing an acting lead. Consequently, policy signals now come straight from State House while Orange Basin oil drilling plans move toward 2026 decisions.

Exploration momentum still holds offshore. Operators and advisors told recent forums that independent and major campaigns continue across the Orange sub-basin, even as some final investment decisions slip to next year for technical and market reasons. Therefore, Windhoek is balancing early oil timelines with hydrogen ambition and community scrutiny.

Why it matters: Namibia energy reset affects jobs, FX and grid planning. Hydrogen requires ports, power and water; deepwater oil demands complex services and skilled crews. Moreover, clear governance lowers capital cost, which directly shapes how much future revenue stays onshore.

For Africa, the signal is clear. Energy transitions are not linear. Consequently, states are sequencing hydrogen, gas and oil in parallel while they court buyers and defend land rights. Namibia now tests whether a presidency-led model can keep investor interest while managing social risk.

Next, delivery will decide the story. Government must publish credible project milestones, update local-content plans and maintain transparent impact processes for Nama and other communities. If it does, Namibia energy reset can turn offshore promise and green-hydrogen branding into bankable projects.