Namibia and the United States have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in the renewable energy sector for the next five years.
The agreement is aimed at extending the impact of renewable energy sector programmes between Namibia and the United States and increasing efficiency to achieve better measurable developmental outcomes.
The MoU on Clean Energy was signed by the Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, and U.S. Ambassador to Namibia, Randy Berry.
In his keynote remarks, Alweendo said the MoU serves as a vital framework for collaboration and is an essential part of the country’s broader national ambitions.
“Through this partnership with the United States, we will explore innovative technologies and enhance our capacity in key areas such as solar and wind energy,” he stated.
The Minister also acknowledged the importance of regional collaboration in achieving shared renewable energy goals, such as working with neighbouring countries, which will enhance Namibia’s collective energy stability and foster economic growth throughout the Southern African region.
“The Namibian Government is actively pursuing regulatory reforms that promote transparency and attract institutional investors and is committed to making the country an attractive investment destination for renewable energy and reducing or eliminating barriers to investment,” he said.
Alweendo further noted that attaining Namibia’s Vision 2030 strategy includes expanding the country’s renewable energy generation and bridging the gap between domestic power generation and total consumption of renewable energy.
U.S. Ambassador to Namibia Berry said under the agreement, the nations will share expertise and resources to promote Namibia’s energy security and expand and diversify energy sources.
Berry said the agreement supports Namibia’s vision of becoming a net exporter of renewable energy and a regional leader in clean energy solutions.
“This agreement underscores our shared commitment to Namibia’s sustainable economic growth and industrialisation. It also reflects the strong partnership between our two nations, built on mutual respect and a common vision for a prosperous future,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Assistant Secretary Kimberly Harrington emphasised that U.S. private sector companies also want to operate in Namibia.
“From U.S. firm Plug Power’s electrolyser for a clean hydrogen pilot plant to more traditional energy sector companies like Chevron and ExxonMobil, the U.S. private sector plays a big role in Namibia’s energy sector—a role that we want to continue and expand,” she said.
Harrington noted that Namibia has tremendous potential in its energy sector, and the US is excited to be actively working to achieve shared objectives.
The MoU was signed in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy, Kornelia Shilunga, and Harrington, who leads the U.S. government’s global portfolio advancing U.S. energy security, energy access and decarbonisation goals. The Ministry of Mines and Energy and the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Power Africa Initiative will be responsible for the implementation of this
