Andreas Sheya
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources conducted an intensive oversight programme in the //Kharas Region from 13 to 15 July 2026, reaffirming Parliament’s commitment to ensuring the responsible management, sustainable utilisation and equitable beneficiation of Namibia’s natural resources. Led by its Chairperson, Honourable Dr. Tobie Aupindi, the Committee commenced its programme with a courtesy visit to the regional leadership, where Members of Parliament were received by the Chairperson of the //Kharas Regional Council, Hon. Gertjie Witbooi, on behalf of the Governor. The engagement provided an opportunity to exchange views on the developmental priorities of the region, with particular emphasis on natural resource beneficiation, regional development and the need to strengthen decentralisation to improve public service delivery. The regional leadership welcomed the Committee’s visit and expressed confidence that Parliament’s oversight role would contribute to addressing key development challenges in the region.
The Committee also held consultative engagements with officials from the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform. The discussions focused on strategic development initiatives, including the Neckartal Dam project, agricultural support programmes and initiatives aimed at supporting small and medium enterprises. During the consultations, regional officials highlighted the challenges posed by the centralisation of decision-making processes, noting that greater decentralisation would enhance the ability of regional offices to respond effectively to issues raised during parliamentary oversight. The Committee noted that strengthening accountability and empowering regional institutions remain essential to improving service delivery and promoting sustainable development.
The Parliamentary natural resources Committee undertook a visit to Hyphen Energy, where Members received comprehensive briefings on the progress of Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Project. The discussions covered preparations towards the Final Investment Decision (FID), environmental and social impact assessments, stakeholder engagements, infrastructure development, local content, employment creation and the project’s anticipated contribution to Namibia’s energy transition and economic diversification. Parliamentarians also visited the proposed Lüderitz Port development site and planned wind energy facilities, gaining first-hand insight into the scale of infrastructure required to position Namibia as a global producer of green hydrogen.
During the briefing, Committee Members were informed that the Government of the Republic of Namibia Sovereign Wealth Fund holds a 24 percent equity stake in the Hyphen Green Hydrogen Project through the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF). Mr Marco Raffinetti, Hyphen Chief Executive Officer, clarified that the Government’s participation has not been financed through the national budget but through grant funding provided by development partners, including the Government of the Netherlands and other European partners, thereby limiting the country’s financial exposure during the development phase. The Committee welcomed the clarification and underscored the importance of transparency regarding the ownership structure and financing arrangements of the project. The environmental sustainability also featured prominently during the visit, with Members receiving detailed briefings on ammonia safety systems, environmental safeguards and measures implemented to minimise potential risks associated with green hydrogen production.
Honourable Dr. Tobie Aupindi equally commended Hyphen Energy for its commitment to preserving Shark Island as an important national heritage site and stressed that scientific evidence should continue to guide discussions surrounding large-scale development projects. The leader of the Official Opposition and Committee Member, Hon. Immanuel Nashinge, expressed confidence that the Green Hydrogen Project has the potential to create employment opportunities, strengthen energy security and contribute significantly to Namibia’s long-term socio-economic development.
The oversight programme concluded with a visit to Debmarine Namibia’s offshore diamond mining operations, where Members toured the Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma and Benguela Gem vessels. Accompanied by Debmarine Namibia Chief Executive Officer Mr. Willy Mertens, the Committee gained first-hand insight into Namibia’s technologically advanced offshore diamond mining industry and its contribution to national development. Hon. Dr. Tobie Aupindi commended the company for its significant contribution to the country’s socio-economic progress and assured Debmarine Namibia of Parliament’s continued support for responsible resource development. Hon. Immanuel Nashinge likewise applauded the company’s role in sustaining economic growth and emphasised the importance of continued collaboration between Parliament, Government and industry to foster an enabling environment for investment and development. Mr. Mertens welcomed the Committee’s visit, noting that it provided Members of Parliament with a practical understanding of the offshore diamond mining industry while strengthening cooperation between Parliament and the mining sector.
The oversight programme demonstrated Parliament’s continued commitment to promoting transparency, accountability and sustainable natural resource governance. Through direct engagement with regional authorities, government institutions and strategic industries, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources obtained valuable insights that will inform its oversight responsibilities and contribute to recommendations aimed at ensuring Namibia’s natural resources continue to deliver lasting benefits for all citizens.
