IMELDA AMBONDO and TIRI MASAWI
More than half of Namibians still live without electricity, raising serious questions about government plans to reach 80% electricity access by 2030.
This is revealed in the newly released Namibia Energy Compact, published on Thursday after Namibia joined Mission 300. Mission 300 is a global initiative led by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank to connect 300 million people to reliable electricity by 2030.
The report shows that electricity access in Namibia stands at 59.5%, mostly through the national grid.
“Approximately half of Namibia’s population does not have access to electricity,” the compact says.
It adds that about 212 519 rural households and 94 005 urban households still live without power, according to the 2023 Population and Housing Census.
“With Namibia’s population growing at a high rate, achieving universal access to electricity service will require the acceleration of the electrification pace,” the report states.
The government has also set a target to produce about 70% of the country’s electricity locally, as part of efforts to reduce reliance on imports.
The compact says Namibia wants to turn its energy sector into a driver of economic growth, job creation and skills development, especially for young people and women
It further aims to position the country as a regional energy hub, supplying clean energy and helping move power across southern Africa through planned transmission lines.
“This strategy will enable Namibia to be a major contributor to improve regional energy security, diversify sources, reduce import dependency, stimulate economic growth, attract investments, and create job opportunities, ensuring inclusive benefits for local communities,” the report says.
However, the compact warns that Namibia remains heavily dependent on imported electricity.
“In 2023, NamPower imported on average 58 percent of its energy requirements,” it says.
While imports from South Africa have so far been reliable, the report cautions that this could change.
“There is a potential risk of disruption in the future if sector conditions deteriorate in South Africa, or if the bilateral contracts are not renewed,” it notes.
During peak demand and periods of low water levels at the Ruacana hydropower plant, Namibia’s electricity imports can rise to as much as 90%, mainly from coal-fired power sources.
Namibia is now looking to expand power generation through solar, wind, nuclear energy and green hydrogen, as it works to move from being a net importer of electricity to a net exporter.
Industries, mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse said nuclear energy is central to Namibia’s long-term plans to grow electricity supply, cut carbon emissions and improve access, especially for communities still without power.
He said renewable energy options will also play a key role.
“Namibia is endowed with abundant solar and wind resources, and we intend to unlock these at scale,” Amutse said.
He added that the country also holds some of the world’s largest uranium reserves.
“If we are serious about long-term decarbonisation, affordability and reliability, nuclear energy must be part of the conversation,” he said.
Amutse said that the government cannot deliver universal access on its own and called on the private sector to invest where projects are commercially viable.
“Where projects are commercially viable, we invite the private sector to lead and invest,” he said.
He said the government will continue to play its role through partnerships, grants and concessional financing.
According to Amutse, the Energy Compact supports goals under the Sixth National Development Plan to connect 200 000 households, achieve 80% electricity self-sufficiency and ensure that 70% of the national energy mix comes from renewable sources.
He said Namibia currently produces about 40% of its electricity locally, with the rest imported.
“Energy security is economic security, and we must change this trajectory,” Amutse said.
The compact also focuses on strengthening power generation and transmission infrastructure, unlocking solar and wind resources, and increasing private sector participation, while the government supports access for vulnerable communities.
World Bank Group energy and extractives practice manager for eastern and southern Africa, Yadviga Semikolenova, said Namibia is positioning itself as a serious energy player.
“It’s not just about connecting people, but connecting people in a way that impacts their lives,” she said.
She added that the initiative brings together government, financiers and the private sector to fund energy projects.
African Development Bank regional sector manager Farai Kanonda said regional integration is at the heart of Namibia’s energy strategy.
He said Namibia is developing transmission infrastructure and positioning itself as a global source of green energy by enabling north-south power flows.
“Production of clean molecules is key to decarbonising,” Kanonda said.
He added that through green hydrogen, Namibia will play a major role in powering southern Africa.
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