ENERGY SECTOR OVERVIEW

The power sector in Namibia has undertaken several reforms aimed at attracting Independent Power Producers (IPPs) by providing a stable investment environment. Such reforms include the horizontal consolidation of more than 70 distributors into five regional electricity distribution companies (REDs) and the establishment of transparent tariff setting procedures, all overseen by the sector regulator, the Electricity Control Board (ECB). While the country’s generation mix is comprised primarily of hydropower, the majority of electricity is imported (about 60% of the total electrical energy requirement), primarily through bilateral contracts from South Africa’s Eskom and to a lesser extent, the Southern Africa Power Pool (SAPP). 

POWER AFRICA’S ENGAGEMENT IN NAMIBIA

MW GENERATION

In March 2017, USAID/Southern Africa launched the Southern Africa Energy Program (SAEP), which provides technical assistance support to various public and private stakeholders, including ECB, NamPower, and the Ministry of Mines and Energy related to five outcomes: Improved Regulation, Planning, and Procurement for Energy; Improved Commercial Viability of Utilities; Improved Regional Harmonization and Cross-Border Trade; Scaled Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency; and Increased Human and Institutional Expertise.