Chamwe Kaira
Local electricity generation in Namibia increased on a year-on-year basis during the third quarter of 2025, supported by improved water availability at the Ruacana hydropower plant, according to the latest economic data.
Local electricity generation rose by 19.4% compared with the same period last year.
Higher domestic output helped reduce reliance on imports, with electricity imports declining by 2.2% year-on-year over the quarter.
Despite higher generation, electricity consumption fell. Units of electricity consumed declined by 3.2% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2025.
The drop was linked to lower activity in several commercial subsectors, including mining, reflecting slower economic activity compared with the same quarter in 2024.
On a quarterly basis, local electricity generation fell by 37.7%, mainly due to seasonal factors.
When adjusted for seasonal effects, generation increased by 8.4%, pointing to a strong seasonal pattern in electricity output, according to Bank of Namibia data.
Construction activity also weakened during the quarter. The sector contracted on a year-on-year basis, driven mainly by lower private sector activity.
The real value of building plans completed in major municipalities declined by 35.7% in the third quarter of 2025.
Fewer new industrial properties were completed in Windhoek, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.
Lower government spending on public construction projects added to the decline, as renovations and infrastructure works were scaled down during the period.
Signs of improvement were visible as indicators of future construction activity. The real value of building plans approved increased by 3.7% year-on-year and by 34.3% on a quarterly basis.
The rise was supported by higher approvals for new residential properties in Windhoek, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, as well as increased approvals for new industrial properties in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.
The increase in approved building plans points to better prospects for future construction activity, despite the current slowdown in completed works.
All construction data were deflated using the Namibia consumer price index, with December 2012 set as the base year.
The figures exclude private construction projects outside municipal areas, including green hydrogen-related developments.
Caption
Local electricity generation rose by 19.4% in the third quarter of 2025.
- Photo: Contributed
