Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
September 2026
Informanté
Robert KahimisesaidNamibia's electricity sector is undergoing its most fundamental transformation since independence
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“"Namibia's electricity sector is undergoing its most fundamental transformation since independence. Across our towns and cities and increasingly in our rural areas too, we are seeing a steady rise in embedded and renewable generation. It is happening. No one can stop it. So I think it is the right thing to do to embrace the realities on the ground and to ensure that these types of application tools are efficiently and effectively deployed. All of us as an industry would be able to reap the benefits thereof," the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ECB, Robert Kahimise, said.”
Robert Kahimisehighlightedthe launch as a welcome development reflecting investor and consumer confidence
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“He highlighted the launch of the platform as a welcome development that reflects growing investor and consumer confidence in Namibia's energy future.”
ECB chief executive Robert Kahimisesaysthe country's electricity network is in good shape overall
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“"The findings confirm that our electricity network is in good shape overall, and that gives us real comfort. At the same time, the report is honest about where the weak spots are, especially in areas where electricity is run by local councils rather than by a dedicated company," ECB chief executive Robert Kahimise says.”
ECB chief executive Robert Kahimisesaidgovernment provided N$90 million through two funds, reducing increase to 3.7%
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“ECB chief executive Robert Kahimise said the government provided N$90 million through the Long Run Marginal Cost Fund and the National Energy Fund, reducing the increase passed on to customers to 3.7%.”
Robert KahimisesaidNamibian government spent N$90 million to cushion against higher electricity tariff increments
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“The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Electricity Control Board (ECB), Robert Kahimise, has said that the Namibian government spent a total of N$90 million to cushion consumers against higher electricity tariff increments.”
ECB chief executive Robert KahimisesaysAfur's partnership with African Union has been instrumental in advancing Africa's Agenda 2063
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“ECB chief executive and Afur deputy chairperson Robert Kahimise says Afur's partnership with the African Union has been instrumental in advancing Africa's Agenda 2063 goals.”
ECB chief executive Robert Kahimisesaid the electricity and Nera bills have beenfinalised and await ministerial approval
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“The electricity bill and the Namibia energy regulatory authority (Nera) bill have been finalised between the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy and legal drafters, and are now awaiting ministerial approval before being enacted into law, Kahimise said.”
The Electricity Control Board, with EU support, has launched the Embedded Generation Application Platform to streamline applications for embedded generation systems below 500 kilovolt-amperes. The ECB CEO described the platform as part of Namibia's fundamental electricity sector transformation, reflecting growing confidence in the country's energy future and supporting national goals for energy security and diversification.
The Electricity Control Board, with EU support, has launched the Embedded Generation Application Platform to streamline applications for embedded generation systems below 500 kilovolt-amperes. The ECB CEO described the platform as part of Namibia's fundamental electricity sector transformation, reflecting growing confidence in the country's energy future and supporting national goals for energy security and diversification.
The Electricity Control Board's 2024/25 infrastructure report finds that regional electricity distributors run electricity distribution networks better than local and regional councils, with concerns identified particularly in areas where councils manage distribution rather than dedicated companies.
The Electricity Control Board has warned it will revoke electricity distribution licences from underperforming municipalities and regional councils and transfer networks to operators with proven capacity, following an audit that found widespread non-compliance across Namibia's power infrastructure. The audit of nine distribution licensees found most networks rated poor due to inadequate safety code implementation and substandard maintenance, with ||Kharas, Hardap, and Omaheke regions carrying the highest compliance risk.
Namibians report that expenses are rising faster than wages, forcing many to rely on side hustles and cash loans to survive. The squeeze is intensifying as electricity and municipal tariffs increase while workers' salaries remain stagnant.
The Electricity Control Board approved a 3.7% bulk electricity tariff increase for NamPower effective 1 August 2026, raising the average bulk tariff to N$2.14/kWh. Windhoek residents, landlords and small business owners warn the increase will deepen financial pressure on households and businesses already struggling with rising living costs.
The Electricity Control Board approved a 3.7% bulk electricity tariff increase for NamPower effective 1 August 2026, raising the average bulk tariff from N$2.06 to N$2.14 per kilowatt-hour. Windhoek residents, landlords, and small business owners say the increase will add to financial pressure as living costs rise, with some landlords warning they may need to raise rents.
The Namibian government allocated N$90 million (N$50 million from the Long Run Marginal Cost Fund and N$40 million from the National Energy Fund) to cushion consumers against higher electricity tariffs. The ECB approved a 3.7% bulk tariff increase from 1 August 2026, down from NamPower's 8.4% application, bringing the average bulk tariff to N$2.14 per kWh from N$2.06 per kWh.
Namibia Power Corporation has asked the Electricity Control Board to intervene in efforts to recover N$1 billion owed by local state entities and Angola's power utility for electricity. NamPower says 14 local authorities have breached repayment arrangements totalling about N$635.3 million, and prolonged non-payment could undermine the security of the country's electricity supply.
At the opening of the 22nd African Forum for Utility Regulators conference in Swakopmund, Industries Minister Modestus Amutse called on Africa to ensure innovation in energy, water, communications and transport expands access for all rather than widening inequalities. He highlighted Namibia's renewable energy potential, including emerging leadership in green hydrogen, and commitments to inclusive economic growth and regulatory frameworks that attract investment while guaranteeing affordable services.
The Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse said Namibia can achieve 80% national electricity connectivity in four years with sustained effort, up from the current 47–56% rate. The government aims for 70% connectivity by 2030, and Amutse urged stakeholders and the Electricity Control Board to ensure that licenced power generators deliver on their commitments rather than merely hold inactive licences.
The Electricity Control Board launched a project to develop simplified regulatory licensing conditions for small embedded generators and pilot projects, aiming to reduce entry barriers while maintaining system reliability and consumer protection. ECB chief Robert Kahimise outlined the framework during a stakeholder workshop, emphasizing the balance between enabling orderly growth and ensuring accountability in Namibia's electricity supply industry.
The Electricity Control Board hosted a workshop to develop licence conditions for small embedded generators and pilot projects, with the aim of reducing regulatory barriers to entry while maintaining system reliability and consumer protection. New regulations also require utilities to provide at least 24 hours' notice before disconnecting supply and prohibit weekend and Friday disconnections.
The Electricity Control Board has launched a project to develop simplified licence conditions for small embedded generation projects up to 2 megawatts and pilot schemes involving emerging technologies like green hydrogen, aiming to reduce regulatory barriers while maintaining compliance and system stability.
The 19.3 MWp Gerus Solar One Project, located between Otjiwarongo and Otavi, was officially inaugurated by the British High Commissioner. The plant, developed by Solarcentury Africa in partnership with Sino Energy, will sell electricity directly into the Southern African Power Pool, contributing to Namibia's renewable energy capacity and regional power trade.
A New Era obituary honours Benestus Katuiisa Rukero, a heavyweight boxer from Okaepe village who dominated Namibia's informal boxing scene in the 1960s before forced relocation by the apartheid regime ended his career and led him to become a communal farmer. Despite his abbreviated career, he revolutionized local boxing among the marginalized Bantu community and was remembered as a rare talent.