Robert Kahimise

Chief of the Electricity Control Board, overseeing simplified licensing frameworks for embedded generators and renewable energy projects.

2025-12-162026-09-06

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

February 2026
13 FebInformanté
Robert Kahimise, Chief Executive Officer of the ECB said licensing of electricity activities is legal requirement under Electricity Act 2007
Source
“Robert Kahimise, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the ECB, said that in terms of the Electricity Act, 2007, the licensing of electricity activities is a legal requirement, and no person may generate, trade, transmit, supply, distribute, import or export electricity in Namibia unless duly authorised through a licence or exemption under the Act.”
Electricity Control Board licence conditions for small projects
13 FebInformanté
Robert Kahimise said introduction of simplified licence process is designed to provide clear, consistent and transparent regulatory framework supporting project development
Source
“He added that the introduction of a simplified licence process is designed to provide a clear, consistent and transparent regulatory framework that supports project development while ensuring accountability and compliance throughout the lifecycle of embedded generation facilities and pilot projects.”
Electricity Control Board licence conditions for small projects
12 FebNew Era
ECB chief executive officer Robert Kahimise underscored the importance of regulatory clarity in enabling sector growth
Source
“Speaking at a stakeholder consultation workshop on the development of licence conditions for small, embedded generators and pilot projects, ECB chief executive officer Robert Kahimise underscored the importance of regulatory clarity in enabling sector growth.”
ECB streamlines licensing for new power
12 FebNew Era
Kahimise noted that over-regulation can itself become an obstacle to investment and innovation
Source
“Kahimise noted that over-regulation can itself become an obstacle to investment and innovation.”
ECB streamlines licensing for new power
10 FebInformanté
Electricity Control Board CEO Robert Kahimise attended the ceremony and highlighted the project's role in advancing renewable energy
Source
“The ceremony was attended by Kunene Regional Governor Vipuakuje Muharukua and Electricity Control Board chief executive officer Robert Kahimise, who highlighted the project's role in advancing renewable energy investment and supporting long-term economic development.”
UK envoy inaugurates Gerus Solar One, Namibia’s second merchant solar plant
December 2025
16 DecThe Namibian
ECB chief executive Robert Kahimise says approvals align with the modified single buyer market framework
Source
“ECB chief executive Robert Kahimise says the approvals align with the modified single buyer (MSB) market framework.”
Spotlight on six new power-generation projects

Mining & Energy

ECB launches platform for embedded generation applications

The News

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.

2 September 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 2 September

ECB launches platform for embedded generation applications
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.
2 September 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 25 August

Regional electricity distributors outperform councils in network management
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.
25 August 2026 · The Namibian →
ECB threatens to revoke electricity licences from underperforming councils
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.
25 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 27 July

Rising cost of living outpaces salary growth for Namibians
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.
27 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 21 July

ECB approves 3.7% NamPower tariff rise, residents concerned
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.
21 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Windhoek residents warn of strain from 3.7% electricity tariff hike
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.
21 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 20 July

Government spent N$90 million to reduce electricity tariff increase
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.
20 July 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 12 May

NamPower seeks ECB intervention on N$1bn debt crisis
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.
12 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 26 March

Innovation must strengthen energy access and reduce inequalities – Amutse
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.
26 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 17 March

Minister targets 80% electricity access within four years
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.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 17 February

ECB proposes simplified licensing for small embedded generators
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.
17 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 13 February

ECB develops simplified licence conditions for small generators
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.
13 February 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 12 February

ECB streamlines power licensing for small, embedded projects
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.
12 February 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 10 February

Gerus Solar One, Namibia's second merchant solar plant, inaugurated
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.
10 February 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 16 January

Benestus Rukero: Namibia's boxing legend remembered
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.
16 January 2026 · New Era →