By: David Shoombe
The current cost of electricity is largely attributed to the complex structure of electricity generation, transmission, and distribution.
Electricity Control Board (ECB) chief executive officer, Robert Kahimise, made these remarks at a media engagement last week.
Kahimise noted that Namibia’s vast geographical size contributes to the high cost of electricity, as significant resources and infrastructure are required to ensure connectivity across the country.
Speaking on the feasibility of achieving the Board’s 70% nationwide coverage target, Kahimise indicated that while the intentions are clear and the target is achievable, the availability of resources will continue to be a challenge.
Addressing renewable energy, Kahimise said that many Namibians have yet to fully embrace renewable energy solutions. He added that increased adoption of renewable energy could help the country meet its energy targets at both household and business levels.
Moreover, he noted that the proposed tariff adjustment by NamPower, as well as the electricity charges imposed by local authorities, ought to represent the most practical proposals currently available and ensure that public interest is considered.
“NamPower and Regional Electricity Distributors (REDs) are public entities, and you must prove to us that your proposed tarrif is the best offer that you could obtain in the interest of the public,” said Kahimise.
Pinehas Mutota, ECB executive for market regulation, explained the factors determining the cost of electricity and how electricity tariffs are calculated.
During the engagement, Mutota urged journalists to “Report tariffs accurately, distinguish between bulk tariffs (NamPower) and end-user tariffs, and cite approved figures and percentages.”
That said, he stressed the importance of the public understanding that the price per unit includes generation cost, transmission, reliability, losses, distribution/retails, and levies.
Mutota also shared that consultations are still ongoing regarding NamPower’s proposed tariff adjustments, with an announcement expected in July.
Regarding the safety of electricity, Petrus Johannes, ECB executive for technical regulation, stated that 6 electricity accidents were reported this year, with 5 having been reported in January alone.
According to the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA), domestic electricity generation accounted for 40.1% of the total electricity supplied to the Namibian economy in November 2025, contributing 154,551 MWh. The remaining 59.9%, equivalent to 230,926 MWh, was imported.
Statistics from the International Business Review (IBR) indicate that Namibia has the highest electricity prices in Southern Africa and remains heavily dependent on imported electricity.
The report estimates that approximately N$8.8 billion was spent on imported power between January 2024 and December 2025.
However, the IBR also notes that Namibia possesses a significant geographical advantage for renewable energy development.
The country’s high solar irradiance means that solar photovoltaic (PV) systems can generate up to twice as much electricity as compared to systems in central Europe.
The report further highlights that energy poverty is likely to remain a challenge in Namibia and other parts of Southern Africa.
Countries such as Zimbabwe and Malawi are pursuing various projects aimed at improving electricity generation, access, and reliability.
