NamPower, Namibia’s state-owned power utility, announced on Monday that it had signed a contract with two Chinese companies to commence construction on the country’s largest solar power plant.
Namibia, situated in southern Africa, is a net importer of electricity and currently relies on neighbouring Zambia and South Africa for its electricity needs.
According to Kahenge Haulofu, NamPower’s Managing Director, the solar power plant is expected to increase the country’s installed power capacity by approximately 500 MW. The plant is anticipated to play a key role in stabilising future electricity tariff increases, supporting Namibia’s economic growth, and promoting environmental sustainability.
The project, valued at 1.4 billion Namibian dollars ($78.33 million), will be financed mainly by the German Development Bank (KfW), with NamPower contributing the remaining funds from its balance sheet.
Construction of the power plant is expected to take 18 months, and commercial operations are expected to commence in the second quarter of 2026.
The power plant’s construction is being handled by China Jiangxi International Economic and Technical Cooperation Co. Ltd and China New Energy Development (Zhejiang) Co. Ltd.