Staff Writer
Deputy minister of industries, mines and energy Gaudentia Kröhne has challenged NamPower to reduce Namibia’s dependence on imported electricity, expand access to power and help lower electricity costs under its 2026–2030 Integrated Strategic Business Plan.
Speaking at the launch of the strategic plan, in a speech delivered by John Titus, director of energy in the ministry of industries, mines and energy, Kröhne said Namibia’s electricity sector would be critical to the country’s industrialisation ambitions, particularly efforts to process more of its minerals locally, grow businesses and create jobs.
She said the government’s Sixth National Development Plan targets 70% national electricity access by 2030, alongside increased local generation and stronger transmission infrastructure.
“Access has little meaning when the service is beyond people’s means,” Kröhne said, stressing that electricity affordability must remain a key consideration as the country expands access.
Kröhne said Namibia should also make greater use of its own renewable-energy resources, including solar and wind, to reduce its reliance on electricity purchased from neighbouring countries.
While regional electricity trade would remain important, she said NamPower should work towards reducing the country’s dependence on imported power while ensuring that electricity remains competitively priced.
She said achieving this would require investment across the electricity system, including generation, transmission lines, energy storage, flexible supply and skilled technical personnel.
Kröhne pointed to the Rosh Pinah solar plant and the Omburu battery project as examples of investments that could contribute to Namibia’s transition towards greater use of renewable energy.
She also urged NamPower to support the expansion of electricity access, particularly in communities that remain without reliable power.
According to Kröhne, extending the conventional grid to every settlement may not always be the fastest or most affordable option.
Smaller local electricity systems and solar solutions could provide alternatives for some remote communities.
She called on NamPower to work with the Northern Regional Electricity Distributor (NORED), Central-North Electricity Distribution (CENORED), Erongo RED, other distributors and local authorities to identify practical electrification solutions.
Kröhne said electrification projects should move more quickly from planning and procurement to actual connections.
“A family cannot cook with a tender document,” she said.
The deputy minister also linked reliable and affordable electricity to Namibia’s plans to increase local value addition in the mining sector.
Using lithium as an example, she said mining represented only the beginning of the economic value chain, with further opportunities in mineral concentration, chemical processing and potentially battery components.
However, she said each stage would require adequate skills, water, markets and electricity at prices that allow industries to remain competitive.
Kröhne further highlighted the potential impact of the transition to electric vehicles, saying Namibia would need charging infrastructure and reliable electricity as electric transport expands.
She said this transition could also enable the country to use more locally generated electricity within the transport sector rather than relying entirely on imported fuel.
On innovation, Kröhne called on NamPower to create opportunities for engineers, technicians and younger employees to develop and test new ideas.
She said innovation could include cheaper ways of connecting remote communities, improved systems for preventing faults, better customer service and partnerships that attract private investment into the electricity sector.
Affordability remains a major concern, particularly for households that struggle to pay connection fees or purchase sufficient prepaid electricity.
Kröhne said the government must continue providing support through electrification funding and targeted assistance, while the Electricity Control Board must consider both affordability and reliable supply when reviewing electricity costs and tariffs.
She added that NamPower must remain financially strong enough to maintain the electricity system while continuing to seek lower-cost power, improve purchasing and reduce waste.
Kröhne said the success of NamPower’s strategic plan should ultimately be measured by its impact on ordinary Namibians.
