![](/images/Windhoek_-_shutterstock_163364105.jpg "The “Informal Settlement Renewable Electrification and Upgrading Program" will directly benefit around 200,000 people in Windhoek, where around 20% of the population does not have electricity. (Image source: AfDB)")
The African Development Bank’s Urban and Municipal Development Fund (UMDF) has approved US$485,000 for a solar electricity project in Namibia that will power some 50,000 households in the capital city
The “Informal Settlement Renewable Electrification and Upgrading Program" will directly benefit around 200,000 people in Windhoek, where around 20% of the population does not have electricity.
The Urban and Municipal Development Fund helps governments to invest in sustainable urban development for more climate resilient, resilient, livable and productive cities, underpinning national socio-economic development and poverty reduction.
In Windhoek, one consequence of rapid and uncontrolled urbanisation is the rise in informal settlements, characterised by non-electrified neighborhoods and underdeveloped economic activity, severely hindering the quality of life for residents.
The municipal council of Windhoek requested the Fund’s support to upgrade services in its informal neighborhoods, a key priority under the metropolis’ Strategic Plan. Installing electricity in informal settlements is considered a crucial investment to unlock the economic potential of these areas and substantially improve the living condition of the inhabitants.
The impact is expected to be enormous: the availability of electricity services will not only support the development of household activities, but also small and medium size companies, as seen in neighboring already electrified communities, resulting in job creation and substantial socioeconomic impact. Solar energy will also contribute to mitigating GHG emissions of firewood and kerosene, reducing deforestation, and improving air quality.
“The project is strongly aligned with the African Development Bank’s top five priorities, in particular, to Light up and Power Africa, Improve the quality of Life for the people and Industrialise the continent,” said Mike Salawou, director of the infrastructure and urban development department at AfDB.
With this new project, the UMDF is expanding its support to southern African countries and diversifying the range of supported sectors. Electrification will now be included in its portfolio of more than 20 urban development projects.
