Windhoek: Namibia aims to reduce its reliance on imported electricity as it launches its National Energy Compact under the Mission 300 initiative, which seeks to connect 300 million people to electricity across Africa by 2030. The launch, which took place in Windhoek on Thursday, sets a framework for expanding electricity access and strengthening the supply nationwide.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Modestus Amutse, while speaking at the launch, said that Namibia currently generates only about 40 percent of its electricity, with the rest imported from neighbouring countries. "As minister, I am not satisfied with that position. Energy security is economic security, and we must change this trajectory," he said.

The Compact sets targets to connect 200,000 households under the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), raise electricity self-sufficiency to 80 percent, and increase renewable energy penetration to 70 percent under the National Integrated Resource Plan. Amutse said the framework addresses increased demand through investment in generation, transmission, and regional interconnectors, including the Angola-Namibia (ANNA) and ZAIZABONA interconnectors.

He highlighted Namibia's solar, wind, and uranium resources, saying nuclear energy should be considered for long-term decarbonisation, reliability, and affordability. He added that the government will lead projects where needed while inviting the private sector in commercially viable initiatives. The Mission 300 initiative is led by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank.