- African Development Bank grants $485,000 for a solar electricity project in Namibia, benefiting 50,000 homes in Windhoek.
- Additionally, using solar energy will reduce the GHG emissions of burning kerosene and firewood, reduce deforestation, and improve air quality.
A grant of $485,000 from the Urban and Municipal Development Fund (UMDF) of the African Development Bank has been awarded for a solar electricity project in Namibia that would power about 50,000 homes in the capital. In Windhoek, where 20% of the population lacks access to power, the “Informal Settlement Renewable Electrification and Upgrading Program” would directly assist almost 200,000 people.
The Urban and Municipal Development Fund supports national socioeconomic development and poverty reduction by assisting governments with investments in sustainable urban development for more climate-resilient, resilient, livable, and productive cities. The emergence of informal settlements, marked by non-electrified areas and undeveloped economic activity that significantly impair people’s quality of life, is one effect of Windhoek’s fast and unchecked urbanization.
The Windhoek Municipal Council sought assistance from the Fund to improve services in its underserved communities, a top priority in the city’s Strategic Plan. The economic potential of informal settlements may be unlocked, and the quality of life for the residents can be significantly enhanced by installing power in these locations.
It is anticipated that the availability of electricity services will have a significant socioeconomic impact, supporting the growth of small and medium-sized businesses and household activities, as seen in nearby electrified communities. Additionally, using solar energy will reduce the GHG emissions of burning kerosene and firewood, reduce deforestation, and improve air quality. Mike Salawou, the director of the Infrastructure and Urban Development Department, stated, “The project is strongly aligned with the African Development Bank’s top five priorities, in particular, to Light up and Power Africa, Improve the quality of Life for the people, and Industrialize the continent.”