WINDHOEK, Aug. 22  — Namibia is set to launch a new off-grid electrification program aimed at bringing electricity to communities too far from the national power grid.

Announced on Friday, the initiative will complement the existing Solar Revolving Fund, a long-standing state-run credit facility that provides loans for solar systems to both rural and urban residents.

Speaking at the commissioning of joint electrification projects in Otjiwarongo, north-central Namibia, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industries, Mines, and Energy Natangue Ithete highlighted the practical challenges of grid expansion.

“As we continue to work hard to bring electricity to every Namibian, we should also face our reality,” Ithete said. “There are some communities that are too far from the main grid; therefore, connecting them to the grid is a challenge.”

He noted that the solar systems are high-quality products intended to bring modern electricity to remote communities. “We must take ownership and pride in them,” he added.

The program focuses on decentralized, sustainable energy solutions to complement ongoing government efforts.

Ithete emphasized that development requires collaboration between the state, the private sector, and citizens, with the government providing resources and guidance while partners deliver services and infrastructure.

“By 2040, no single Namibian must live without electricity because electricity is a need, not a luxury,” said Ithete. The initiative comes as many African nations grapple with the challenges of rural electrification.

Namibia is part of the Mission 300 energy compact, an African effort to electrify 300 million households by 2030. For Namibia, this entails 200,000 new connections by 2030 and 400,000 by 2040. (Xinhua)

John K WaDisho

Windhoek, Aug.26 — The City of Windhoek has announced, through a press release, that electricity tariffs will rise by 3.9% from 1 August 2025, a move approved by the Electricity Control Board under the Electricity Act of 2007.

The increase, part of the 2025/26 financial year plan, is aimed at keeping the city’s power supply secure, reliable, and able to meet growing demand.

City officials say the adjustment is unavoidable. They argue that without it, the city risks falling behind on maintaining and upgrading electricity infrastructure, which could compromise services in the long run.

“We want to ensure affordable electricity,” the City stated, “but we also need to invest in keeping the lights on for everyone.”

Not everyone is convinced. For many households already stretched thin, even a small percentage increase feels like another blow to their pockets.

Small business owners, too, fear higher bills will eat into already tight margins. Others, however, say they’re willing to pay a little more if it truly means fewer blackouts and a stronger, more reliable grid.

The announcement also carried a correction. The City urged residents to ignore an earlier notice published in newspapers, admitting it contained errors.

The updated press release reflects the accurate 3.9% tariff adjustment, with officials apologizing for any confusion caused.

With the new tariffs kicking in next week, Windhoek residents are bracing themselves. The big question now is whether this price hike will deliver on its promise of better, more reliable electricity—or whether it will simply be remembered as another added burden in tough economic times – Namibia Daily News

WINDHOEK, Aug. 22 — Namibia has signed a new agreement to advance its green industrialization agenda by linking mineral beneficiation with hydrogen-powered steel production, officials said on Thursday.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) brings together the Namibia Green Hydrogen Program (NGH2P), local miner Broadmind Mining, and Germany’s HyIron Green Technologies to establish a sustainable, low-carbon value chain in critical minerals and green steel.

In a statement, the NGH2P said the initiative will focus on utilizing Namibia‘s iron ore and rare-earth resources, in conjunction with HyIron’s direct reduced iron technology powered by renewable hydrogen.

The goal is to develop integrated mining, beneficiation, and green steel production in support of Namibia‘s hydrogen-driven industrialization strategy, it said.

Under the MoU, Broadmind will conduct advanced exploration and pilot beneficiation trials, and HyIron will test Namibian ore in its process and supply technical parameters for scaling up production, while NGH2P will provide in-country support with permitting, infrastructure planning, and access to concessional finance to accelerate implementation.

“This partnership demonstrates how multi-sector cooperation can support our vision of creating green jobs, boosting economic diversification, and producing materials for the global clean energy transition,” James Mnyupe, head of the NGH2P, said.

Namibia was selected in June to join the Climate Investment Funds’ Industry Decarbonization Program, through which it aims to mobilize up to 250 million U.S. dollars in climate finance. The new collaboration is expected to form part of this investment pipeline.