In a bold move to catalyse socio-economic development, Namibia’s Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has unveiled an urgent national electrification strategy aimed at expanding access to electricity to 70% of households by 2030. Executive Director Ben Nangombe outlined the plan during a high-level engagement with energy sector stakeholders in Ondangwa, stressing that electricity is not merely a utility but a “critical enabler” for industrialization, education, healthcare, and job creation. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader economic agenda under President Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah’s administration, which has prioritized infrastructure development to unlock growth and reduce inequality.
Central to the strategy is an ambitious target to connect 160,000 households to the national grid and deploy off-grid solutions for an additional 50,000 homes within the next five years. This represents a seismic shift from current progress, which Nangombe described as “moving at a snail’s pace.” At present, only 3,000 to 5,000 households are electrified annually—a rate that must surge to 40,000 per year to meet the 2030 goal. The government estimates annual funding requirements will escalate from N$200 million to over N$1 billion, signaling the need for strategic investments and partnerships to bridge the financing gap.
The urgency stems from Namibia’s commitment to regional and global energy compacts, including the African Union’s Mission 300, which aims to electrify 300 million households across the continent by 2040. Namibia’s participation in this initiative, backed by the World Bank and African Development Bank, offers access to concessional financing and technical support. However, Nangombe emphasized that success hinges on domestic accountability, streamlined execution, and learning from past missteps.
A critical component of the plan is the swift finalization of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) between the Ministry and key distributors, including NamPower, regional electricity distributors (REDs), and municipalities. These agreements, initially slated for signing on 13 May 2025, have faced delays due to incomplete internal processes among some partners. Nangombe urged distributors to expedite approvals, demanding all SLAs be finalized by the end of May to avoid further setbacks. Under the agreements, distributors must submit detailed reports on previous electrification projects—including costs, contractor performance, and lessons learned—to prevent repeating inefficiencies.
The Executive Director did not shy away from critiquing past failures, citing a recent visit to Oshikoto where millions were spent on grid extensions to shuttered schools, leaving assets unused. He called for a paradigm shift toward “technology-neutral, cost-conscious, and demand-driven” solutions, including decentralized solar power in remote areas. This approach, he argued, would prevent wasteful spending and align infrastructure with actual community needs. The Electricity Control Board was tasked with rigorously evaluating future projects to ensure fiscal responsibility.
Operational efficiency emerged as a recurring theme. Nangombe warned that inefficiencies and delays directly inflate consumer tariffs, burdening households and businesses. He urged distributors to adopt lean processes, transparent procurement, and robust governance to deliver projects on time and within budget. Emphasis was also placed on prioritizing “low-hanging fruit”—high-density, low-cost-per-connection urban and peri-urban areas—to generate revenue and stabilize distributors before expanding into rural zones.
The economic implications of the electrification drive are profound. Access to reliable electricity is foundational for industrial growth, enabling businesses to scale operations, adopt advanced technologies, and create jobs. It also enhances education and healthcare outcomes, with Nangombe highlighting scenarios where vaccines spoil without refrigeration and students study in darkness. Furthermore, rural electrification could stimulate agriculture and small enterprises, reducing urban migration and regional disparities.
Stakeholders were reminded that the initiative is not merely a technical endeavour but a “strategy for growth” integral to Namibia’s Vision 2030. The Ministry framed electrification as a public-private partnership requiring unwavering commitment from all actors. Nangombe concluded with a rallying call for “laser-beam focus” and “unfettered dedication,” urging participants to view their roles as contributors to national progress rather than routine administrative tasks.
As Namibia races against time to meet its targets, the success of this electrification push will depend on translating urgency into action. With global partnerships in place and domestic reforms underway, the government aims to position energy access as a cornerstone of economic resilience—a catalyst for unlocking the nation’s untapped potential and improving livelihoods across urban and rural landscapes alike.