Windhoek: The National Planning Commission (NPC) says a cooperation agreement signed by Hyphen Hydrogen Energy, Enertrag, and Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) marks a significant step in advancing Namibia's development priorities. NPC Director General Kaire Mbuende made these remarks during the signing ceremony held in Windhoek on Monday.According to Namibia Press Agency, Mbuende emphasized that the partnership reflects the implementation of Namibia's national priorities under the sixth National Development Plan (NDP6). He highlighted the NPC's mandate to ensure that national priorities are clearly defined and implemented through collaboration between the government, the private sector, and international partners.Mbuende explained that green hydrogen is a cross-cutting sector that intersects with energy, water, infrastructure, industrial development, and skills formation. Its success, therefore, depends on deliberate, coordinated planning and execution. He added that green hydr ogen has been positioned under NDP6 as a strategic driver of economic transformation, aiming not only to produce for export but also to develop domestic industrial capacity, create jobs, and expand Namibia's economic base.The Hyphen project serves as a flagship initiative within the strategy and is expected to anchor a new industrial ecosystem while promoting local enterprise participation. Mbuende stressed the importance of ensuring meaningful participation by Namibians, including empowering local enterprises to access opportunities across the green hydrogen value chain.The Enterprise and Supplier Development programme, supported through the International Hydrogen Ramp-up Programme (H2Uppp), will help strengthen the capacity of Namibian enterprises to participate in large-scale projects. The programme is backed by a EUR 300,000 grant aimed at improving supplier readiness and supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises.This targeted investment directly supports national objectives related to MSME de velopment, employment creation, and economic diversification. Mbuende further stated that partnerships aligning international cooperation with Namibia's development priorities are crucial for achieving inclusive economic growth.Ultimately, the success of Namibia's green hydrogen sector will be measured by its contribution to inclusive economic growth, sustainable industrial development, and improved livelihoods for the people of Namibia.