Namibia’s heavy reliance on imported electricity poses a growing risk to its economic and energy security, Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse has warned, as government formally launched the Mission 300: Namibia Energy Compact.
Speaking at the launch in Windhoek, Amutse said Namibia currently generates only about 40% of its electricity requirements, with the balance sourced from the regional market.
“Today, Namibia generates only about 40% of its own electricity. The remainder is imported. As minister, I am not satisfied with that position. Energy security is economic security, and we must change this trajectory,” he said.
Amutse said expanding access to electricity would inevitably drive higher demand, which must be met through reliable and affordable supply. He stressed the need to address transmission constraints and advance regional interconnector projects, including the Angola–Namibia (ANNA) and Zimbabwe–Zambia–Botswana–Namibia (ZIZABONA) initiatives, to strengthen security of supply.
Namibia’s solar and wind resources are expected to play a central role in reducing electricity imports. Amutse also said nuclear energy should form part of long-term planning, given the country’s significant uranium endowment.
“Namibia is endowed with abundant solar and wind resources, and we intend to unlock these at scale. We are also endowed with some of the most significant uranium resources in the world. If we are serious about long-term decarbonisation, affordability and reliability, nuclear energy must be part of the conversation,” he said.
While government will continue to support developmental electrification, Amutse called on the private sector to lead investment in commercially viable projects, supported by partnerships, grants and concessional financing.
He highlighted the role of NamPower in power generation, transmission expansion and regional electricity trade, as well as distributors including CENORED, NORED, Erongo RED, SORED, the City of Windhoek and Oshakati Premier Electric Utility, which are at the forefront of expanding access.
“Where access is developmental, the Namibian government will continue to play its rightful role, supported by partnerships, grants and concessional finance,” Amutse said.
