Namibia electricity infrastructure shows regional disparities

A National Electricity Infrastructure Status Report for 2024/25, released by Namibia’s Electricity Control Board (ECB), reveals significant disparities in the reliability and maintenance of the country’s power distribution systems.

While the national electricity network is classified as being in satisfactory condition—largely due to the well-maintained high-voltage transmission backbone operated by NamPower—local and regional council-managed networks are identified as major weak points. The //Kharas, Hardap, and Omaheke regions were highlighted as having poor infrastructure with a high risk of continued non-compliance. Other regions, including Kavango East, Kavango West, Kunene, Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana, and Oshikoto, were also rated as poor but with a lower risk of sustained non-compliance.

The audit found that electricity networks managed by Regional Electricity Distributors (REDs) generally perform better than those administered by local councils. Additionally, over 60% of assessed farmer schemes were classified as having poor networks, attributed to limited operational oversight and inconsistent practices. In contrast, the Khomas and Otjozondjupa regions were identified as exceptions, with infrastructure classified as satisfactory and low-risk.