Climate

Can Southern African nations build greener industry together?

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 24/09/2026, 11:28:24 UTC.

Briefings

Southern African nations are exploring a regional 'green corridor' to collaborate on just steel production, potentially creating a hub for sustainable iron and steel. Key players include South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, with a focus on leveraging local resources like solar power, wind, and iron ore. The Oshivela iron plant in Namibia is currently operating a pilot project using green hydrogen to produce 'green iron' for export, aiming to reach 1 million tonnes annually. However, the region faces challenges including deindustrialization in South Africa and reliance on Chinese imports for steel production. The feasibility of scaling this model remains uncertain without firm export agreements and domestic demand.

Key points

• The Oshivela iron plant in Namibia is currently operating a pilot project to produce 'green iron' using on-site solar-powered green hydrogen, aiming to reach 1 million tonnes annually by 2030.
• South Africa and Namibia are collaborating under the SADC Just Energy Transition Framework to explore green industrialization, with initial focus on Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

Context and limitations

Data sources include Global Energy Monitor's Iron and Steel Tracker, IEA Hydrogen Tracker, and Iron Ore Mines Tracker. Feasibility studies and construction stage projects are excluded. Export agreements and domestic demand levels remain uncertain.

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