Under the banner “Power to the People,” Erongo Regional Electricity Distributor (Erongo RED) marked its 20th anniversary with a landmark Stakeholder Dinner on Friday, July 25, 2025. The prestigious event, attended by government ministers, regional leaders, traditional authorities, industry captains, and community representatives, served as a powerful testament to the utility’s transformative journey and its pivotal role in energizing Namibia’s Erongo Region.
The celebratory atmosphere resonated through the addresses of key figures, including CEO Mr. Immanuel !Hanabeb, Board Chairperson Ms. Zoe Nambahu, and Erongo Governor Hon. Natalia /Goagoses. Their speeches painted a vivid picture of two decades characterized by remarkable growth, unwavering commitment to service, and deep-rooted community partnerships.
From humble beginnings to regional powerhouse
Born in 2005 from a bold vision to unify regional electricity suppliers, Erongo RED emerged through the merger of distribution services from various municipalities and towns – Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Henties Bay, Omaruru, Karibib, Usakos, Arandis, Uis village council, the Erongo Regional Council, and NamPower, all of whom remain shareholders today. CEO !Hanabeb reflected on the modest origins: “We started from humble beginnings with a team of just 103 people.” Today, that team has swelled to over 310 dedicated professionals, driving the company’s mission to distribute safe, reliable, sustainable, and accessible electricity.
The growth metrics presented were staggering. From generating just over N$180 million in its early years, Erongo RED proudly announced surpassing the N$1.6 billion revenue mark, confidently projecting to reach N$2 billion soon. The customer base surged by 72%, from 27,000 to over 47,000 transacting customers. Critically, the company highlighted its electrification rate of 74% for the Erongo Region, significantly outpacing the national average of 51%. “This achievement is the result of hard work and strategic investment,” stated !Hanabeb, acknowledging the collaborative effort while emphasizing the ongoing mission to reach every corner of the region.
Infrastructure and impact: Lighting up lives and livelihoods
Central to this growth has been massive infrastructure investment exceeding N$700 million. This funding fueled bulk supply upgrades, network expansion, electrification projects, and modernization efforts. The impact of reliable electricity was eloquently articulated by CEO !Hanabeb: “Electricity breathes life across our region.” He detailed its crucial role: powering Walvis Bay’s industry and fishing sector, illuminating Swakopmund’s tourism charm, brightening homes and hopes in Henties Bay, empowering innovation in Uis, flourishing Omaruru’s vineyards, strengthening Karibib’s mining, and fueling resilience in Usakos and Arandis. “We bring more than power, we bring possibility, dignity, and the spark that moves Erongo forward, town by town, life by life,” he declared, affirming electricity as the “greatest enabler of our times.”
Beyond infrastructure, the company showcased its deep social commitment. Chairperson Nambahu revealed that Erongo RED subsidizes over 11,000 vulnerable customers – including pensioners, disability grant recipients, and low-income households – to the tune of N$216 million annually. Notably, she emphasized, “The subsidy we provide is less than the cost of what we procure electricity from NamPower,” calling this a “true testament” to the company’s value of compassion. Corporate Social Responsibility is integral, with approximately N$500,000 allocated annually to initiatives in education, training, community welfare, health, environment, and sports development. Specific achievements include electrifying 872 rural houses at a cost of N$16 million and empowering 7 bursary holders and 125 trainees through substantial HR investments.
Collaboration: The bedrock of success
A resounding theme throughout the evening was the indispensable role of partnerships. Both !Hanabeb and Nambahu stressed that Erongo RED’s milestones were collective achievements. “Our true strength lies in our people and partnerships,” !Hanabeb asserted. “Every milestone… has been made possible by the collaboration and trust built with key stakeholders,” including national ministries (Industrialisation, Mines and Energy; Urban and Rural Development), shareholders, communities, employees, customers, and municipalities. Nambahu reinforced this, stating, “At Erongo RED, we believe that strong partnerships build strong institutions,” defining meaningful engagement as “listening, responding, and engaging with sincerity and respect.”
Recent collaborations were highlighted as evidence of this commitment. Nambahu announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Swakopmund Municipality for land development in the Kramersdorp suburb, aiming to accelerate regional development through joint initiatives. She also expressed profound gratitude to the Ministry of Industrialisation, Mines and Energy for financing peri-urban electrification projects, referencing a recently signed MoU. Governor /Goagoses, speaking from her unique perspective as both regional leader and former Erongo RED director, strongly endorsed this collaborative spirit: “My call tonight is simple: Let us work together. Let us deepen regional coordination… Erongo RED is not just a utility. You are a vital development partner, a catalyst for regional development.” She commended the company for hosting a public session in June 2025 to discuss tariff applications with the Electricity Control Board (ECB), noting the Consumer Liaison Committee’s voice for more affordable power.
Stewardship, governance, and eyes on the future
Governance and strategic leadership received significant praise. Governor /Goagoses lauded the “strategic leadership and sound governance exercised by the Board of Directors and Executive Management,” evident in the company’s growth, financial discipline, and alignment with developmental goals. CEO !Hanabeb detailed his first 100 days focused on stakeholder engagement, leading to short-term objectives embracing renewable energy, driving digital transformation, eliminating inefficiencies, and organizational realignment. He reported successful progress on most goals. Chairperson Nambahu assured stakeholders that “good governance is the foundation” of decision-making, with strong ethical values entrenched throughout the company. She announced the finalization of a new five-year strategic plan centered on Financial Sustainability, Stakeholder Focus & Collaboration, Organizational Excellence & Transformation, and Talent & Institutional Capacity. Addressing financial sustainability, Nambahu acknowledged the challenge of rising electricity costs hindering industrialization and confirmed the company is actively working on initiatives to address procurement costs, emphasizing the need for careful, long-term decisions.
Honoring legacy, powering forward
The evening was also a moment to honor the architects of Erongo RED’s legacy. Chairperson Nambahu paid special tribute to former CEOs present and all past and current directors for their “dedication, leadership, and enduring contribution.” CEO !Hanabeb acknowledged the regional electricity distribution model itself as “one of the best decisions ever made,” contributing to industry sustainability and agility, and thanked stakeholders for the shared 20-year journey. Governor /Goagoses captured the forward-looking sentiment: “Twenty years is a powerful milestone. It is a time to reflect, to celebrate, and to renew our shared goals… The next decade will demand innovative thinking, stronger partnerships, and a deepened commitment to sustainability.”
As the celebrations concluded, the message was clear: Erongo RED’s first 20 years laid a formidable foundation of growth, service, and community impact. Armed with a new strategic plan, a commitment to ESG principles, and strengthened by its core partnerships, the company stands poised to illuminate the path forward. “While our journey thus far spans two decades, our ambitions stretch far beyond,” declared CEO !Hanabeb. “I am confident that with your continued support and partnership, Erongo RED will scale even greater heights, powering prosperity, one community at a time. Let us walk the next chapter together.” The legacy of lighting lives and powering progress in the Erongo Region continues.