Patience Makwele
The Ministry of Works and Transport on Thursday launched a pilot electric vehicle (EV) charging station at its headquarters in Windhoek, a move the government says could pave the way for a nationwide charging network as Namibia prepares for increased adoption of electric vehicles.
Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi announced the initiative in the National Assembly on Thursday, describing it as a strategic pilot project that will help determine the feasibility of expanding EV charging infrastructure across the country.
The charging station, which was developed by the ministry’s in-house engineers, will initially be available to government employees who register through the Office of the Director of Capital Projects.
However, Nekundi said the long-term vision extends beyond government offices.
“This initiative was developed and designed by the ministry’s in-house engineers and is aimed to serve as a study case that will inform possible future deployment of an EV charging network nationwide,” he said.
According to the minister, the ministry of works and transport is positioned to spearhead such an expansion because it manages a portion of government-owned infrastructure across Namibia.
“As custodian of government-invested properties, the ministry is suitably positioned to develop an extensive charging station network nationwide, with a view to catering for a future electric vehicle government fleet and possibly the public at large,” Nekundi said.
The announcement comes as Namibia joins a growing number of countries exploring the transition towards cleaner transport technologies amid global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
Questions from members of parliament, however, highlighted concerns about the practical implications of introducing electric vehicle infrastructure in Namibia.
Affirmative Repositioning (AR) leader Job Amupanda questioned whether the ministry had adequately consulted the ministries responsible for energy and finance before embarking on the project.
“Change is important, but it is also very complex. To what extent are you engaging this subject matter with the minister of energy and the minister of finance?” Amupanda asked.
AR parliamentarian Esther Haikola-Sakaria also sought clarity on the matter, asking whether users would eventually be required to pay for charging services and whether registration fees would be introduced.
Meanwhile, Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) member of parliament Nelson Kalangula raised concerns about the potential impact that increased electricity demand from electric vehicles could have on the national grid, particularly at a time when electricity costs continue to rise.
Responding to the concerns, Nekundi said charging would be provided free of charge during the pilot phase and that any future pricing structure would depend on the outcome of the study.
He also sought to allay fears about pressure on the national electricity network, saying the charging facility is currently powered by renewable solar energy.
“The station will not unduly affect the national grid because it is operating on solar power,” he said.
Commenting on the initiative, economic commentator Alex Shoopala Murangi told the Windhoek Observer yesterday that the initiative signals growing recognition by the government, adding that Namibia must begin preparing for changes in the global transport sector.
“Electric vehicles are becoming more common internationally, and we as a nation, Namibia, cannot afford to ignore that transition. The establishment of pilot infrastructure is an important first step in understanding the technical, financial and policy requirements needed to support wider adoption,” Murangi said.
He cautioned, however, that widespread EV adoption would depend on more than charging stations.
“The government will ultimately need to address issues such as electricity generation capacity, charging accessibility outside major urban centres, vehicle affordability and regulatory frameworks if it wants electric mobility to become a realistic option for most Namibians,” he said.
Murangi added that the pilot project would provide valuable data on usage patterns, energy demand and operational costs before significant public funds are committed to a larger rollout.
For now, the charging station remains a small but significant step in what could become Namibia’s broader transition towards electric mobility and cleaner transport technologies.
Meanwhile, local drivers and motorists welcomed the initiative, describing it as a step towards modernising Namibia’s transport infrastructure, while others questioned whether electric vehicles remain financially out of reach for most citizens.
Windhoek resident and motorist Michael Haufiku said the establishment of charging infrastructure was necessary if Namibia wanted to keep pace with global technological developments.
“Personally, I think this is a good initiative because you cannot expect people to buy electric vehicles if there are no charging stations. The government has to start somewhere, and this pilot project, I believe, could help determine whether the country is ready for wider adoption,” he said.
He however stressed that affordability remains a major challenge.
“Look at the cost of electricity today. You buy electricity for N$1,000 and only get half the price, and now we are looking at electricity charging vehicles in an economy where people are still struggling to afford conventional vehicles,” he added.
“So electric vehicles are not yet a realistic option for many Namibians. I think the infrastructure is important, but the vehicles themselves also need to become more accessible, and the pricing should not be the same as the way we are being charged on electricity alone.”
Another driver, Albertina Hamunyela, who drives for Yango, said she welcomed the use of solar energy to power the charging station but would like to see similar facilities extended beyond Windhoek.
“If this is only available in one place, it will not help much. People travel between towns every day. If the government is serious about electric vehicles, charging stations will eventually need to be available along major highways and in regional centres,” she said.
Hamunyela said the pilot project could provide useful lessons for future investments in sustainable transport.
“Many countries are moving towards cleaner energy and electric vehicles. Namibia should not be left behind, but the transition must be practical and affordable for ordinary people,” she said.
