Lawmakers push for energy self-sufficiency

The Productivity Task Force on Energy in Namibia (PTF), chaired by Nangula Uaandja of the Namibia Investment Promotion Board (NIPDB), briefed the Parliamentary Standing Committees on Economy and Industry, Public Administration and Planning, and Natural Resources earlier this week.The session, led by Members of Parliament Iipumbu Shiimi, Hilma Iita, and Tobie Aupindi, focused on Namibia’s goal of achieving electricity self-sufficiency and affordability.Shiimi sounded a warning over Namibia’s reliance on its neighbouring countries for electricity supply. “Presently, Namibia gets a significant part of its power from neighbouring countries South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia. This is a risk to development for two reasons. Firstly, all these countries have been experiencing load shedding for some time ... [and] our reliance on neighbours for electricity does not auger well for Namibia’s industrialisation goals.“Secondly, depending on our neighbours forever for critical input into production does not support a sustainable industrialisation strategy. We are aware that the PTF was established to coordinate efforts of key stakeholders with the view to achieving electricity security and affordability,” he said. The PTF, a public-private working group, includes representatives from the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy, NamPower, the Electricity Control Board, the Chamber of Mines, the Green Hydrogen Association of Namibia, and the Renewable Energy Industry Association of Namibia.Shiimi said the committees would continue working with the PTF to advance Namibia’s power goals. “We look forward to continue working with the PTF and all the stakeholders in the electricity and energy sector to achieve our country’s development goals.”The committees highlighted the critical role of secure and affordable energy in driving Namibia’s industrialisation. With over 60% of the country’s electricity imported from South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, stakeholders emphasised leveraging Namibia’s abundant resources, such as uranium, wind, and solar, to reduce dependency and position the country as a net electricity exporter. The PTF called for supportive legislation, increased resources for local electricity production, and stronger collaboration to develop renewable energy and expand the national grid while adhering to international conventions.

Lawmakers push for energy self-sufficiency

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Republikein 2025-08-28

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Lawmakers push for energy self-sufficiency

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