Namibia’s Electricity Control Board (ECB) is seeking to reduce the country’s reliance on imported electricity by encouraging increased local generation, particularly firm and baseload power, as part of efforts to improve energy security and manage costs.
ECB Chief Executive Officer Robert Kahimise said new electricity generation projects must be cost-competitive with imports in order to strengthen both affordability and security of supply.
Speaking at the launch of the regulator’s Integrated Strategic Business Plan for 2026–2030, Kahimise noted that Namibia currently imports a significant share of its electricity, with between 40% and 60% of supply sourced from neighbouring countries during certain periods.
He said imported electricity is often more expensive than locally generated power, adding that expanding domestic generation capacity could help reduce electricity costs over time.
“Whatever new capacity comes on board must be cheaper than the cost of electricity imports so that we can achieve both security of supply and affordability. This means reducing our dependence on imports and enabling more local generation, particularly firm and baseload capacity that can support economic growth,” Kahimise said.
He noted that while electricity imports will remain necessary in the short term, regional supply opportunities could help improve security of supply.
Kahimise pointed to the potential availability of stranded power in neighbouring countries, including Angola, which could offer cheaper supply options within the Southern African Power Pool.
As part of efforts to stabilise the electricity sector, the ECB also plans to introduce a multi-year electricity pricing framework aimed at providing greater predictability for utilities, investors and consumers.
The regulator further intends to introduce efficiency-based key performance indicators (KPIs) across the electricity industry to ensure that utilities improve operational efficiency before applying for tariff increases.
“First, we will introduce multi-year pricing to bring greater predictability to the industry and the sector. We will also implement efficiency key performance indicators. Before applying for adjustments, operators will be provided with models to run their own calculations, identify inefficiencies and implement the necessary cost reductions,” Kahimise said.
Beyond regulatory reforms, the ECB said it is also strengthening its institutional capacity, including through the refurbishment of its headquarters and the creation of a modernised working environment designed to support collaboration, innovation and staff wellbeing.
The regulator said these improvements reflect the organisation’s expanding mandate as Namibia works to develop a more resilient and sustainable electricity sector.
