By: Nghiinomenwa-vali Hangala
Namibia has informed the world of its intentions to pursue nuclear energy as part of its energy mix strategy.
This was announced by Kaire M. Mbuende, the director-general of the National Planning Commission (NPC) of Namibia, at the 2026 Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos last week, vowing to ensure that every step taken in developing the sector will be in full compliance with the guidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Mbuende also indicated that a developed national strategy covering the broader scope of the nuclear industry would be in place.
“This includes creating an appropriate governance structure, institution building, human resource development, and establishing the viability leading to the commissioning of key nuclear projects such as nuclear power,” he updated.
For the 11 months of last year, Namibia’s uranium sector extracted and exported raw uranium valued at around N$26.3 billion. This uranium was exported to countries such as China, the USA, Canada, and France, which also have a large fleet of nuclear reactors generating uranium apart from their nuclear arsenals.
According to Mbuende, with rising demands for energy in Namibia’s neighbouring countries, concomitant with the recurrent droughts as a result of the effects of climate change, Namibia could face energy insecurity if the country does not take the necessary measures.
“We are making efforts to optimise the use of solar and wind in our energy mix. The nascent oil and gas sector and hydrogen could also ameliorate the energy deficit in Namibia,” he stated.
Namibia’s biggest suppliers of energy, Zambia and South Africa, both reduced their power supply in the past 2 years during the drought.
Namibia turned to Zambia during South Africa’s load-shedding period, however, after drought affected Zambia’s hydropower, South Africa was restored as Namibia’s main source of energy imports.
Mbuende indicated that, as the largest producer of uranium in Africa and the third-largest in the world, Namibia cannot shy away from the prospect of generating nuclear energy, especially not when its raw materials are fuelling nuclear energy plants around the world.
“Nuclear energy generation has become a serious option that we are pursuing vigorously,” he noted.
The director-general highlighted the advent of small modular reactors that are more flexible, safer, and economical., noting that Namibia is keen to learn from the pioneers in this respect, instead of trying to reinvent the wheel. In line with that, he indicated that Namibia would collaborate with other countries that have well-developed nuclear energy sectors in its pursuit of nuclear energy, including African nations.
“We intend to develop this sector in close collaboration and partnership with those who have proven knowledge and experience in the sector, as well as financiers,” Mbuende noted.
erastus@thevillager.com.na
