Women in energy: Redefining energy systems

According to a study, 61% of Namibia's energy is currently imported, with domestic generation producing 39% of electricity.Namibia has a very high number of annual sunshine hours and one of the highest solar energy productions in the world.In light of this, companies like Shwepo Investments CC see a growing need for Namibia to embrace and capitalise on Namibia’s abundant natural energy sources. Shwepo Investments, a 10-year-old photovoltaic company focusing on renewable energy, is solely owned by Leticia Amushila.According to her, the company provides energy alternatives to conventional power by performing solar photovoltaic (PV) installations that include the provision of all solar-related products.Electrifying rural areas Under the Off-Grid Energisation Master Plan (OGEMP), the mines and energy ministry is electrifying government facilities such as schools, police stations, and clinics in off-grid areas with containerised PV systems.Since 2013, the ministry has provided 23 containerised PV systems: 9 in Omusati, 7 in Kunene, and 7 in the Otjozondjupa Region."My interest was piqued by the Ministry of Mines and Energy when they announced a rural electrification programme in the form of solar funding for those who need power but cannot afford it in cash, so the ministry is to assist such people with funding", she said.Fostering a businessAmushila was born and raised in the Omusati Region's rural area of Onampira, alongside six siblings. She is the first daughter in her family.She attended Onampira Combined School till grade 10, after which she transferred to Oluno Secondary School, now Andimba Toivo ya Toivo Senior Secondary School.Her first undergraduate studies were at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), where she earned a bachelor of economics degree.She presently holds two master's degrees in business administration and management, as well as an MBA in natural resources management and is accredited in various fields, the most recent being energy efficiency and sustainable energy from the University of Russia via the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).Following her studies, things did not initially proceed as planned. She, like everyone else, began looking for work. Like every other graduate, she struggled to find work. This was a particularly difficult period, especially given that she was the firstborn and had basic duties to her family as well as her own.As a result, Amushila decided to start her own business after realising that little was changing.New beginningsShe started her renewable energy company not only to ensure financial independence, but also because she developed a strong desire and passion to aid communities by providing this service to help alleviate the absence of robust electrical infrastructures.She emphasised the importance of rural electrification and stated that no one should be denied access to it."Solar energy is a great alternative for those who want to have electricity but cannot due to distance from the grid or the affordability of conventional power".She not only supplies and caters to the electrical needs of her community, but she also takes her social responsibility to novel heights by employing young Namibians who want to pursue a career in this field. As a micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME), her company employs four full-time installers and five part-time installers who assist with larger tasks. She additionally fosters interns who want to obtain experience in electrical skills as well as solar energy commissioning and design.The future is green Amushila is optimistic about the future of renewable energy. "Renewable energy, such as wind and solar energy, can assist in mitigating climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind and hydroelectric power, emit much less greenhouse gas emissions than fossil fuels," she explained.There is a dearth of public awareness regarding the utilisation of solar energy and the associated costs, she added. She said there are many myths about solar energy, such as the fact that it does not work during the rainy season or when it is foggy, yet it works perfectly even throughout the winter.She contends that solar energy is the best answer or alternative to conventional power because it is environmentally benign and very safe to utilise.

Women in energy: Redefining energy systems

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Republikein 2025-06-20

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Women in energy: Redefining energy systems

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