Namibia is on track to become self-sufficient in the production of electricity, according to Mines and Energy Minister Tom Alweendo.In his 2024 budget speech he said “in the area of energy, we are still concerned that we continue to import more than half of our electricity needs, a position that is indeed untenable. “NamPower has been tasked to complete its 220MW portfolio of generation assets as soon as possible”.According to Observatory of Economic Complexity, in 2022 Namibia spent $235 million on imported electricity, mainly from Zambia ($117m), South Africa ($93.3m), and Zimbabwe ($2 4 . 9 m).It is the 49th-largest importer of electric power in the world.In the same year it exported electricity to the value of $6.15m, with the majority going to Botswana ($5.45m) and South A f r ic a ($70 6k).Alweendo believes there is a ready market for excess power. “NamPower continues to play the critical role of ensuring that Namibia has a robust transmission network that will not only allow us to get electricity to our people, but importantly, when we unlock abundant energy from our renewable sources, these networks will allow us to trade electricity with our neighbours.”Funding is available, he said. “NamPower is on the brink of unlocking just under N$2.6bn, including a N$280-million grant from the Global Public Good, which will be used to finance the Auas-Kokerboom transmission line and battery storage.” Independent power producers have been encouraged by the government and now account for 11% of local power generation.“To ensure our pathway to energy security is further emboldened, the ministry will soon announce a 300MW accelerated feed-in tariff programme that will ensure that Namibia speeds up its way to self-suf f icienc y.”
