Namibia’s Electricity Imports Surge Amid Regional Drought: A Look at the Future of Energy in Southern Africa
Namibia has recently made headlines for its impressive leap in electricity imports, particularly from South Africa’s power utility, Eskom. In the financial year leading up to March 31, 2025, Namibia imported a staggering 1,079 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity, which reflects a significant increase compared to just 423 GWh in 2024. This growth, despite falling short of the 1,653 GWh recorded in 2022, showcases Namibia’s proactive approach to securing its energy needs amid ongoing regional challenges, particularly drought conditions that have affected hydropower output across the Southern African region.
The N.5 billion investment to Eskom underscores Namibia’s commitment to enhancing its energy security. With drought impacting local hydropower production, the country has entered into firm supply agreements not only with Eskom but also with other regional partners like Botswana and Zambia. This strategy is crucial for maintaining the stability of Namibia’s electrical grid while ensuring that residents and businesses have access to reliable energy.
Namibia stands out as one of Eskom’s top international customers, contributing significantly to the utility’s total international sales of N.6 billion. Interestingly, Eskom has reported a noteworthy 40% annual increase in its international sales—a statistic largely attributed to urgent power supply needs and strategic partnerships with neighboring nations.
Eskom’s statistics reveal that other countries are also engaging in power imports to meet their energy demands, including Botswana with 771 GWh, Eswatini at 871 GWh, Lesotho at 794 GWh, Mozambique leading with 7,873 GWh, Zambia with 1,847 GWh, and Zimbabwe with 1,083 GWh. This trend signifies a broader regional effort to bolster energy independence through collaborative relationships.
As a member of the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), Namibia plays an integral role in cross-border electricity trade. These arrangements not only support national energy needs but also work towards the larger goal of regional grid stability. Eskom has expressed confidence that firm power supply agreements will only become more common as the energy generation mix evolves in response to changing climatic conditions and operational needs.
The positive trajectory of Namibia’s electricity imports illustrates a forward-thinking approach to energy management, showcasing the necessity of regional cooperation in addressing both current challenges and future energy demands. As Southern Africa navigates an increasingly complex environmental landscape, strategies like these are likely to become the backbone of energy resilience.
