INTERVIEW: Activist Herbert Jauch Calls for Rethink on Namibia’s Oil and Gas Strategy

Windhoek, Namibia – Herbert Jauch, a prominent activist, has called for a fundamental reassessment of Namibia’s approach to oil and gas exploration. In a recent discussion, Jauch emphasized that the use of Namibia’s natural resources should benefit all Namibians, not just a select few, and warned against continuing with oil and gas extraction given the current global context.

Jauch argued that Namibia’s natural resources have long been controlled by foreign transnational corporations, with benefits largely limited to a small segment of the population. He criticized this colonial pattern and stressed the need for a shift towards more equitable and sustainable use of these resources.

He highlighted two main concerns with Namibia’s current strategy. Firstly, Jauch pointed out the environmental impact of continuing oil and gas exploration. As the world grapples with climate change and global warming, he argued that investing in a declining industry like oil and gas poses significant risks. He noted that other countries, especially major polluters, should lead the transition away from fossil fuels, and Namibia should follow suit by investing in renewable energy sources such as solar power, which are more suited to the country’s conditions.

Secondly, Jauch questioned how Namibia processes its natural resources. He criticized the focus on raw extraction rather than local processing and manufacturing. For instance, he noted that instead of fully developing the local zinc industry, Namibia has been exporting raw zinc, which he believes undermines potential job creation and industrial growth within the country. Jauch advocates for a more comprehensive approach that includes not only the exploration of new industries but also the expansion of existing ones through local processing.

He also suggested that to ensure the equitable distribution of benefits from natural resources, Namibia should consider implementing a system of extra taxation on these resources. The additional revenue, he proposed, could fund a universal basic income grant for all Namibians, thereby addressing some of the systemic inequalities associated with resource extraction.

Jauch concluded by stressing the importance of moving beyond mere exploration to the actual implementation of large-scale agricultural and industrial processing. He believes that with these fundamental changes, Namibia could genuinely benefit from its natural resources and ensure that these benefits are shared more widely across the population.

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