…set to generate up to 4000 jobs
Omaruru, Namibia, is poised to become the home of a revolutionary N$72 billion green steel plant, marking one of the largest industrial investments in the nation’s history and signalling a dramatic shift towards a sustainable industrial future. NAMSTEEL (PTY) Ltd announced plans to construct a state-of-the-art facility designed to be Africa’s first fully CO2-neutral steel mill, leveraging green hydrogen technology.
This massive Foreign Direct Investment promises to transform Namibia’s manufacturing landscape and accelerate its industrialization. The project, in preparation since 2023, is expected to create between 3,500 and 4,000 jobs at its peak, with a strong emphasis on technical training, women’s participation, and sourcing materials locally. The required industrial land is already secured in Omaruru for both the primary steel mill and downstream value-added processes.
NAMSTEEL executives framed the project as a national imperative. “Our common purpose is to ensure that significant parts of the added value are created and always remain in Namibia,” declared Dante Ilovu-Just, NAMSTEEL’s Business Development Executive. “In line with national objectives aimed at 2030, our commitment is to empower Namibian youth and women with real skills, real careers, and a share in the industry we are building together.”
CEO Tom Ortmanns highlighted Namibia’s unique potential: “Namibia has everything needed to become a global leader in green industrialisation – abundant renewable resources, strong governance, and an ambitious population. This project is a chance to turn those strengths into lasting, inclusive growth. We are confident in Namibia’s institutions and leadership, and we remain hopeful, as the world is watching Namibia become a leader in this sector.” The company expressed deep gratitude to supporting government institutions.
Beyond economic output, NAMSTEEL believes the plant is a powerful signal that Namibia is ready to lead Africa’s green industrial revolution. It will bolster local and regional infrastructure development through sustainable steel production while significantly cutting carbon emissions, aligning directly with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s agenda for economic diversification and natural resource beneficiation.
Industry experts are hailing the project as a pivotal moment. “This is the type of investment that redefines the country’s industrial identity,” said one economic analyst. “Namibia has sent a strong signal to global investors that it is open for business – and ready to lead in the green economy.”
However, NAMSTEEL cautioned that time is critical. Delays in regulatory approvals could jeopardize the project, as investor timelines and agreements are bound by strict international conditions. If realized, the Omaruru plant will be a cornerstone in achieving Namibia’s Vision 2030, the Harambee Prosperity Plan II, and its ambition to become Africa’s premier green energy and manufacturing hub.