Patience Makwele
The reappointed Atomic Energy Board will focus on reviewing legislation, strengthening technical capacity and assessing projects as Namibia moves to advance its nuclear strategy.
The board, chaired by Shitaleni Herman, has been appointed for a three-year term following its inauguration by health and social services minister Esperance Luvindao on Wednesday.
Luvindao said the board will play a role in implementing the country’s nuclear plans after the Cabinet approved the Nuclear Industry Strategy in September 2025.
“The board remains vital in shaping the trajectory of Namibia’s nuclear sector and ensuring it contributes meaningfully to national development,” she said.
The strategy is now part of the sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), marking the first time nuclear development has been included at that level.
Namibia is the world’s third-largest uranium producer. Government is now focusing on expanding the sector beyond mining to include value addition, skills development and possible energy production.
The Atomic Energy Board, established under the Atomic Energy and Radiation Protection Act, advises the government on nuclear policy and radiation protection.
Luvindao emphasised the importance of continuity and confirmed the retention of all previous board members.
“This is not merely a responsibility but an opportunity to bring transformation and sustainable development to Namibia’s nuclear sector,” she said.
The government is working with international partners and the International Atomic Energy Agency as part of long-term plans to build nuclear capacity.
Energy analyst Wilbard Nelson Goaseb said progress will take time.
“In the near term, the focus is likely to be on strengthening upstream activities and building capacity before moving into more advanced applications,” he said.
He said including nuclear development in the national plan raises expectations.
“NDP6 elevates nuclear from a policy discussion to a national priority, which means progress will now be measured against clear development targets,” he said. “The challenge will be aligning institutional capacity, financing and timelines with those expectations.”
He said nuclear projects require high investment and technical expertise, which could slow implementation if not developed alongside policy.
Youth energy researcher Erica Nahole Kamati said the strategy could create opportunities for young people.
“If implemented effectively, this could open pathways for young Namibians in fields like nuclear science, engineering and regulatory oversight,” she said.
She said local development could reduce the need for students to study abroad.
“For many young Namibians interested in energy, opportunities are often limited to scholarships outside the country, which not everyone can access. If the sector is developed locally, it could allow more students to train and specialise at home and I believe this will make these opportunities more accessible and inclusive.”
Board members include Timotheus Mufeti, Petrina Nghidengwa, Natasja Cupido, John Titus and Colin Namalambo.
The board is expected to guide the next phase of Namibia’s nuclear development.
