Namibia is on the brink of an energy transformation. With some of the highest solar irradiation levels in the world and vast stretches of unpopulated land, the country is ideally positioned to harness solar power.

This will prove particularly important in the mining sector, where energy security and cost efficiency are critical. With government planning for 51% local ownership in new mining ventures, the focus is shifting from whether solar can power mining operations to how this transition can be made sustainable, inclusive, and locally beneficial. The opportunity is significant, but so are the challenges: funding constraints, skills shortages, and the need to align renewable energy goals with empowerment policies. Lessons from South Africa show that success will depend not only on technology, but also on the strength of Namibia’s policies, partnerships, and planning.

Balancing empowerment and investment

The 51% local ownership policy represents a significant step towards ensuring that Namibians benefit from the country’s natural resources. It also means that renewable energy projects linked to mining must be designed with local participation from the outset. This goes beyond just compliance; it is about creating genuine involvement, where local partners, suppliers, and employees actively contribute to and benefit from the energy transition.

For mines, this requires a thoughtful approach to structuring solar investments. Joint ventures, strategic partnerships, and phased project rollouts offer practical ways to align with the ownership framework while maintaining access to capital and technical expertise. For example, experienced solar developers can partner with local firms and communities, transferring technology and knowledge while gradually increasing Namibian participation in project ownership and operation.

This kind of collaboration fosters trust and ensures that the benefits of renewable energy, such as lower operating costs, a more stable supply, and a reduced carbon footprint, extend beyond the mines themselves to communities at large.

Lessons from South Africa

Namibia can draw several key lessons from its southern neighbour’s renewable energy journey. The first is regulatory certainty. Investors are far more likely to commit when they understand the rules and can rely on them. Namibia already has a strong foundation through its modified single-buyer framework, which allows Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to sell electricity directly to large users, such as mines. Maintaining clarity and predictability around power purchase agreements, wheeling regulations and local content requirements will be essential to attract long-term investment.

The second lesson is about skills and local capacity. South Africa’s renewables sector has faced delays due to a shortage of qualified solar engineers and technicians. Namibia can gain a competitive edge by investing early in technical training through its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres and engineering institutions, such as the University of Namibia (Unam) and the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST). Embedding solar-specific certifications and practical apprenticeship programmes will ensure a pipeline of skilled professionals to design, build and maintain large-scale solar projects.

Finally, hybrid power models – combining solar with battery storage and diesel backup – have proven to be the most reliable and cost-efficient for remote mining operations. Namibia’s mines can adopt similar models, starting with smaller behind-the-meter systems and expanding as confidence and capacity grow.

Overcoming funding and capacity constraints

Funding remains one of the most significant barriers to the adoption of large-scale solar energy in the mining industry. Mines can mitigate this by taking a phased approach: starting small, demonstrating cost savings and scaling up once the business case is proven. IPP agreements are another viable route, where private developers build and operate solar farms, and the mine simply purchases the generated energy through long-term contracts. Blended finance, which combines grants, concessional loans, and private capital, can also make projects more viable.

At the national level, Namibia could consider establishing a dedicated renewable energy fund or a guaranteed scheme to mitigate risks for solar investments linked to key sectors like mining. Tax incentives, accelerated depreciation, and internship allowances can further promote private involvement and skills development.

Building a resilient local value chain

A sustainable renewable energy transition requires more than just solar panels; it needs a strong local value chain. Every solar project should have clauses that require foreign engineers and developers to transfer knowledge and mentor Namibian teams. Over time, this will develop a skilled workforce capable of managing installations, operations, and maintenance on their own.

Beyond technical training, developing local suppliers is essential. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can be supported to provide components, cabling, logistics, and maintenance services for solar projects. Creating industry forums where developers, mines, and local businesses collaborate can speed up these partnerships and help identify opportunities for investment and growth.

Namibia’s goal should be to not only meet its domestic renewable energy needs but also to position itself as a regional hub for clean energy expertise, exporting both energy and skills across the continent.

Powering a sustainable mining economy

For Namibia’s mining future to be truly solar-powered, several priorities must align. The country needs clear, investor-friendly regulations that provide predictable frameworks for power purchase agreements, local content participation, and wheeling. Access to financing must also improve, with blended and phased models that reduce upfront risks and make large-scale solar projects more feasible. At the same time, Namibia must invest in local skills development through practical, certified training and structured knowledge transfer programs, while empowering local suppliers and small businesses to participate in the renewable energy value chain.

Solar energy is no longer optional; it is a strategic necessity for Namibia’s competitiveness, energy independence and long-term sustainability. The nation’s transition will depend not just on technology, but on people, partnerships and policy. If Namibia can balance investor confidence with local empowerment, build the necessary skills, and strengthen its renewable energy infrastructure, it can create a mining sector that is not only cleaner and more efficient but also a model for inclusive and resilient growth.

*Julien Karambua is the country manager at Workforce Staffing Namibia