James Mnyupe represents a key figure in Namibia’s energy and economic space. As Economic Advisor and Hydrogen Commissioner, he is responsible for a lot of the success seen in the country, particularly regarding socioeconomic development, investment and green hydrogen growth. He has done a lot to convince me, and many at the Chamber that Hydrogen plays a role in Africa’s energy mix.
We have toured Europe together on Hydrogen thanks to the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, the EU Commission and the German government. At the African Energy Chamber (AEC), we firmly believe in hydrogen’s role in transforming African economies. As the continent moves to transition to cleaner sources of fuel in its strategic manner, green hydrogen will play a central role in improving energy security, driving socioeconomic growth and making energy poverty history by 2030 while at the same time decarbonizing the energy sector – NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC
Namibia is developing the biggest green hydrogen project in sub-Saharan Africa.
The US$10b project has attracted world attention and put Namibia firmly on the renewable energy map.
One man has been very vocal and active regarding Namibia’s renewable journey. He has spoken about the possibilities and the benefits.
That man is James Yusuf Mnyupe, a multidisciplinary financial professional with a background in accounting, asset management, and wealth management.
A graduate of UNAM and Rhodes University, Mnyupe holds the CA, CFA and CFP designations.
He worked in the private sector for over a decade, auditing various companies in all three sectors of the Namibian economy and undertaking extensive research on listed securities on the local stock exchange.
He led one of Namibia’s prominent asset management firms for five years, was the Founding Chair of the Namibia Savings and Investment Association and was appointed to the High-Level Panel on the Namibian Economy in 2019 by President Hage Geingob.
President Geingob appointed Mnyupe as the presidential economic advisor in September 2020.
In May, mines minister Tom Alweendo appointed Mnyupe to head Namibia’s green hydrogen program for five years.
The Institut Choiseul ranked Mnyupe 99 as a young African leader playing major roles in the continent’s economic development.
Mnyupe has spent 2023 traversing the globe, pushing Namibia’s green hydrogen agenda. He was instrumental in the conclusion of renewables deals in Namibia.
He has launched a scholarship programme for two Namibians who want to study renewable energy courses.
