Namibia is committed to ensuring that all communities, especially rural and peri-urban areas, can access affordable and reliable electricity by 2040. Moving beyond the approaches of past decades, at the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) we have redefined the approach to electrification, making community needs the focus of our new energy program.
Since Namibia’s independence, rural electrification efforts primarily concentrated on extending the national grid to public institutions. Thanks to this program, almost all schools have electricity, providing a better learning environment. However, only a few homes were connected as the program focused more on institutions. Recognizing the need to reach households and businesses, we are now shifting our priorities.
Under the latest National Electrification Policy adopted in 2022, we will be expanding beyond grid connections. The new approach emphasizes flexible solutions, including off-grid options such as solar energy. This ensures that households in remote areas, where grid extension might be too costly or not practical, can still benefit from clean and reliable electricity. Additionally, we are conducting a national energy survey to assess household needs and affordability. The survey’s findings will guide future electrification efforts, helping tailor solutions to each community’s unique needs.
This shift is more than an operational change—it’s a movement toward equal opportunity. With energy as the backbone of economic growth, universal access will unlock potential in agriculture, small businesses, healthcare, and education. Our goal is to empower every Namibian household with affordable electricity, regardless of location.
As we roll out this new approach, we invite all Namibians to be part of a more inclusive and resilient energy future.
Harnessing our resources, powering our future.
