The Namibian government has allocated N$56.3 million towards the development of power generation infrastructure, with part of the funding earmarked for preparatory work on the planned Baynes Hydropower Project, Minister of Mines, Industry and Energy, Natangwe Ithete, has announced.
The joint Namibia-Angola project, set to deliver 600 megawatts of renewable energy, is expected to commence construction in the first quarter of 2027, following Cabinet’s approval anticipated in the same year.
“It is one of Namibia’s most strategic energy infrastructure undertakings, with the potential to supply our country with ample clean, reliable electricity at prices that are far more stable and competitive than fossil fuels,” said Ithete.
The funding allocation will cover key preparatory activities including technical studies, dam design, transmission planning, and development of supporting infrastructure.
Once operational, the hydropower facility is expected to contribute significantly to Namibia’s goal of long-term energy independence, with each country set to receive an equal share of 300 megawatts. There are also considerations for regional off-take arrangements.
Namibia and Angola first initiated discussions on potential shared hydropower development in 1992, which led to detailed technical and environmental assessments of prospective sites. However, progress has been hampered over the years by the project’s considerable cost implications, with the estimated development bill standing at approximately N$22.6 billion.
To enhance coordination and project delivery, the two governments last year agreed to establish two new governance structures: a Binational Implementation Unit to replace the current Project Office, and a Joint Project Office to be located either in Windhoek or Luanda.
