Namibia's electricity supply mix has undergone significant changes over the past decade, with imports, domestic generation, and independent power producers (IPPs) contributing to the national supply. According to NamPower's 2026-2030 Integrated Strategic Business Plan stakeholder presentation, the country's reliance on imported electricity has varied considerably between 2016 and 2025. In 2016, imports accounted for 64% of Namibia's electricity supply, while NamPower supplied 36%.
In the following years, the electricity supply mix continued to shift. In 2017, imports accounted for 54%, while NamPower generation contributed 42%, and IPPs contributed 3%. The share of imports decreased to 50% in 2018, while NamPower contributed 19%, and IPPs accounted for 8%. The Southern African Power Pool market purchases made up 23% of the supply mix in 2018. This trend of fluctuation in the supply mix has continued over the years.
The impact of drought years on the electricity sector is also reflected in the data, with Namibia's reliance on different supply sources shifting as domestic generation and regional electricity availability changed. In 2019, imports represented 63% of supply, compared with 28% from NamPower and 9% from IPPs. The share of imports remained substantial in 2020 at 53%, while NamPower contributed 33%, and IPPs accounted for 7%.
The trend of significant imports continued in the following years. In 2021, imports stood at 65%, while NamPower contributed 24%, and IPPs accounted for 8%. In 2022, imports made up 53% of the supply mix, while NamPower contributed 20%. The share of imports decreased to 45% in 2023, while NamPower's contribution increased to 33%.
In 2024, the electricity supply mix underwent a significant shift, with imports accounting for 28% and NamPower supplying 23%. Other sources, including IPPs and the Southern African Power Pool market, made up a larger share of the supply mix. This shift is expected to continue, with a further decrease in imports in 2025.
According to NamPower's data, imports accounted for 24% of the electricity supply mix in 2025, while NamPower contributed 33%. Other sources, including IPPs and the Southern African Power Pool market, made up the remaining share. This represents a significant decrease in imports from previous years and a notable increase in domestic generation.
The data from NamPower's presentation highlights the ongoing efforts to diversify Namibia's electricity supply mix and reduce reliance on imports. The country's energy sector continues to evolve, with a focus on increasing domestic generation and promoting the use of renewable energy sources.
Key points
- Namibia's reliance on imported electricity decreased to 24% in 2025.
- NamPower's contribution to the electricity supply mix increased to 33% in 2025.
- The country's electricity supply mix has varied significantly over the past decade, with imports, domestic generation, and IPPs contributing to the national supply.
