The Electricity Control Board (ECB) has been elected chair of the African Forum for Utility Regulators (AFUR).
Namibia will now take over leadership at the end of the 22nd Annual Conference and General Assembly, which will conclude today in Swakopmund.
Namibia was nominated by Lesotho and elected unopposed. Burkina Faso was elected as vice chair.
ECB chief executive officer Robert Kahimise now assumes the role of AFUR chair.
He said Namibia is ready to lead efforts to strengthen regulation and improve service delivery across Africa’s energy and water sectors.
He said the organisation will focus on improving regulatory standards, strengthening cooperation among member states and supporting development across the continent.
AFUR brings together regulators from across Africa to share knowledge and improve regulation in sectors such as energy and water.
The conference in Swakopmund brought together delegates to discuss issues affecting utility services, including infrastructure, regulation and regional integration.
Discussions also focused on the role of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, in improving service delivery.
Kahimise said Africa can use these technologies to improve efficiency and expand access to services. He called for investment in digital infrastructure, better data systems and stronger innovation.
He also stressed the need for regional cooperation, saying countries must work together to address shared challenges.
He said AFUR will continue to build partnerships, including with the African Union, to support development goals under Agenda 2063.
The next AFUR conference will take place in Liberia, where discussions on utility regulation will continue.
