Stampriet, Hardap Region – 19 July 2026
Namibia has taken another important step towards building a skilled workforce for the emerging green hydrogen sector with the inauguration of the third cohort of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Green Hydrogen Scholarship beneficiaries from the Hardap and ǁKharas regions.
The scholarship programme is part of the cooperation between the Governments of Namibia and Germany under the Joint Communiqué of Intent (JCoI), signed in 2022. The agreement promotes collaboration in several strategic areas, including the development of skills needed to support Namibia’s growing green hydrogen industry. SASSCAL serves as the implementing agency for the JCoI.
The inauguration ceremony was held at the AIMS Vocational Training Centre in Stampriet and was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport and Culture, Hon. Dino Ballotti, on behalf of the Vice President of Namibia.
Building Skills for Namibia’s Future
The Youth for Green Hydrogen Scholarship Programme was launched to equip young Namibians with the knowledge and technical skills required to participate in the country’s green industrialisation journey.
The first scholarship call, launched in 2022, awarded 93 full scholarships, mainly supporting postgraduate studies in renewable energy and green hydrogen-related fields.
In 2023, the second scholarship call expanded opportunities to 90 beneficiaries from all 14 regions of Namibia. The programme placed a strong focus on technical and vocational training, youth empowerment, inclusion of persons with disabilities, and participation from historically disadvantaged communities.
The third cohort builds on these achievements by focusing specifically on youth from the Hardap and ǁKharas regions. The initiative was made possible through funding of more than N$25 million from the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Investing in Local Communities
Speaking at the event, Hon. Ballotti expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Germany for their continued support and partnership.
“This collaboration is a powerful example of how international cooperation can contribute to sustainable development, skills transfer, and youth empowerment,” he said.
The 90 scholarship beneficiaries inaugurated during the ceremony will receive training in critical technical fields, including:
Electrical Engineering
Welding
Plumbing
Pipefitting
Boilermaking
Fitting and Turning
Automotive Mechatronics
Solar Energy Systems Installation
According to Hon. Ballotti, these skills are essential for Namibia’s industrial development and will play a key role in unlocking future economic opportunities.
He noted that the decision to focus the third cohort on Hardap and ǁKharas was strategic, as both regions are expected to become important centres of economic activity as Namibia advances its renewable energy ambitions and green industrialisation agenda.
By investing in young people from these regions, the Government is ensuring that local communities are well-positioned to benefit from future employment and business opportunities arising from the green hydrogen sector.
Strong Interest from the Youth
Delivering remarks at the ceremony, SASSCAL Executive Director, Prof. Nelago Indongo, highlighted the overwhelming response received following the launch of the scholarship call in June 2025 by Her Excellency, Vice President Lucia Witbooi in Gibeon.
Following the launch, SASSCAL and the Green Hydrogen Programme conducted extensive awareness campaigns across all constituencies in Hardap and ǁKharas to encourage eligible youth to apply. The outreach efforts resulted in more than 5,000 applications being received from across the two regions.
Prof. Indongo explained that all applications underwent a rigorous verification and screening process before being evaluated by a multi-stakeholder selection committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, the Hardap and ǁKharas Regional Councils, and SASSCAL.
After a comprehensive assessment process, 90 successful applicants were selected and awarded scholarships.
“The successful completion of this process reflects our collective commitment to transparency, accountability, and equal opportunity,” said Prof. Indongo.
She congratulated the beneficiaries for taking the initiative to apply and enrol in vocational training programmes that will contribute to Namibia’s green industrialisation goals.
Training Institutions
The beneficiaries have been enrolled at three participating vocational training institutions:
AIMS Vocational Training Centre, Stampriet
Johanna Jacobs Vocational Training Centre, Gibeon
NIMT Keetmanshoop
The students were placed according to their chosen fields of study and career interests while addressing the skills needs of the emerging green hydrogen and industrialisation sectors.
A Partnership for Future Generations
Prof. Indongo thanked the Governments of Namibia and Germany, the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, the Hardap and ǁKharas Regional Councils, the Green Hydrogen Programme, SASSCAL, and all stakeholders involved in making the initiative a success.
“Together, we are building the skilled workforce that will support Namibia’s green industrialisation and create opportunities for future generations,” she said.
The event also featured welcoming remarks by Hardap Regional Governor, Hon. Riaan Charles McNab, who welcomed guests and beneficiaries to the region and congratulated the students on this important milestone in their educational and professional journeys.
The inauguration of the third cohort marks another significant step in preparing Namibian youth for careers in renewable energy and green hydrogen while ensuring that local communities are actively included in the country’s future economic development.
