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.