Namibia’s plan to introduce a new regulator for the country’s energy sector, including downstream gas and downstream petroleum, is expected to be completed within the next five years.
The transition will see the Electricity Control Board (ECB) evolve into the Namibia Energy Regulatory Authority (NERA), with an expanded mandate covering downstream gas and downstream petroleum regulation. Upstream petroleum activities currently fall under the Presidency, while midstream functions are overseen by the Ministry of Mines and Energy.
The Namibia Energy Regulatory Authority Bill and the new Electricity Bill passed through the Cabinet Committee on Legislation about two years ago and are now awaiting final inputs from legal drafters.
ECB chief executive Robert Kahimise said the bills are being refined through ongoing engagements involving the ECB, the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade, the Ministry of Mines and Energy and legislative drafting teams.
He said the revised Electricity Bill will amend the existing Electricity Act by removing references to the Electricity Control Board and formally placing electricity regulation under NERA. A separate Electricity Bill will focus specifically on electricity as an energy source.
“We are hoping that over the next 12 months or so it will be ready for presentation to Parliament. We will begin preparations once promulgation takes place. With the added mandate, the ECB is ready. We are prepared to execute the mandate,” Kahimise said.
He said the transition follows the approval of the ECB’s Integrated Strategic Business Plan (ISBP) for the 2026–2031 period, which provides continuity as the current plan ends on 31 March 2026 and sets out a five-year roadmap.
According to Kahimise, the new ISBP outlines how the ECB will continue to strengthen Namibia’s electricity sector while preparing for a broader multi-energy regulatory role. He said the regulator is facing several challenges, including rising electricity demand, continued reliance on imports, affordability pressures and growing public expectations for reliable and accessible services.
Kahimise said the ISBP commits the regulator to a modern, data-led and incentive-based regulatory approach aimed at improving sector performance and resilience.
“Driven by a renewed vision, mission and core values, and underpinned by six strategic themes, our Integrated Strategic Business Plan positions the ECB and the future NERA to support Namibia’s energy transition and strengthen regulatory confidence and effectiveness,” he said.
The ECB said the official launch of the Integrated Strategic Business Plan is expected in March 2026.
