The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) has allocated N$12 million for the 2025/26 financial year to support electrification efforts in the Hardap and ǁKharas regions, with a particular focus on peri-urban settlements.
Speaking at the official inauguration of electrification projects in Maltahöhe, Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy, Kornelia Shilunga, highlighted the region’s historical progress and ongoing challenges.
“Hardap boasts one of the highest electrification rates in the country at 62%, a testament to the government’s commitment. However, this is a decline from 67% in 2011 due to urban migration,” she said.
To address this decline, the ministry has prioritized electrification in informal settlements to ensure that growing communities are not left behind.
Shilunga emphasized that negotiations with NamPower and development partners are underway to supplement the allocated budget.
“While it is too early to announce the final allocation for Hardap, we assure you that it will exceed previous investments,” she stated.
The government remains committed to achieving universal electrification by 2040, as outlined in the National Electrification Policy 2022. However, efforts are being made to accelerate this timeline.
“We are working tirelessly to bring that deadline forward because we know that electricity is not just a luxury—it is a necessity for economic growth, education, and healthcare,” Shilunga said..
Apart from grid electrification, the ministry is also focusing on off-grid solutions, particularly solar energy. Currently, 12% of Namibians rely on off-grid technologies, with Hardap reflecting the national average.
“Modern off-grid technologies have greatly improved, offering longer-lasting and more resilient battery storage,” said Shilunga.
She further noted that investing in off-grid systems can help households save money on monthly electricity tariffs, redirecting those funds to other essential needs.
“Recognizing this potential, the ministry is developing an off-grid program to create an enabling environment where end-users and private businesses can mutually benefit from these technologies,” Shilunga said.
The ministry acknowledges the challenges posed by Namibia’s vast geographical size and low population density, which make electrification efforts costly and complex.
“Namibia is approximately the size of South Africa or Nigeria, yet we have a population of just over three million. This presents unique challenges,” she explained.
Despite these challenges, Namibia has made commendable progress, with the latest census data indicating that 47% of households have access to grid electricity.
“While some may see this as a low figure, let us put it into perspective. Given our geographical size and sparse population, our electrification rate is one of the highest among similarly low-density countries,” Shilunga said.
As electrification efforts continue, Shilunga urged residents of Hardap to seize the opportunities provided by access to electricity to improve their livelihoods.
“The light in our homes must translate into brighter futures for our children. Let us work together to harness the power of electricity to build businesses, improve education, and enhance healthcare,” she said.
