The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) is conducting a comprehensive National Energy Survey and Affordability Study in collaboration with the World Bank, which started on 7 October and is expected to end on 11 November 2024. 

The study, which is being carried out countrywide, aims to assess socio-economic conditions, identify development needs and provide a robust evidence base for formulating policies and programmes aimed at poverty reduction and sustainable development by expanding universal access to energy. 

The exercise will encompass a range of assessments, including household surveys to analyse energy access and affordability at the household level; and community and public institution surveys to evaluate energy access in communities and public institutions such as schools and health facilities.  

Furthermore, it will include enterprise surveys to evaluate energy access in the manufacturing, service and agro-processing sectors; and an off-grid solar market assessment to understand supply and demand dynamics of the off-grid solar market. 

The study is expected to provide the ministry with the necessary data to make informed decisions, and implement effective policies. 

The MME remains committed to improving the quality of life for all Namibians. To ensure transparency and trust, data-collectors and enumerators can be identified by tags to verify their identities, roles and purpose of this exercise, as well as relevant identifying letters. 

Selected households are urged to participate in this important exercise, and to respond openly and honestly in order to collect quality data when approached by the field team.