Country Brief – NAMIBIA
February 2018
Page
Country Briefing
1
February 2018
2
February 2018
Page
Country Brief – NAMIBIA
Country Brief – NAMIBIA
February 2018
Quick Facts Population size Employment Literacy
2.30 million
GDP Growth 2018(P) Repo Rate Interest rate (Prime) Inflation rate
1.4% 6.75% 10.50% 3.60%
66.00% 89.00%
Geographic size 824,292 km²
Budget (Current) N$62.54 Billion
Free vector map of Namibia outline - by One Stop Map
Tourism, Mining, Fishing
Water Availability / capita1
8, 800, 000Litres/capita
Electricity Gen. (Local) Electricity Demand (all)
484.000 MW
LTE 2.575 million subscribers
629.000 MW
3
2005 Figures https://www.greenfacts.org/en/water-resources/figtableboxes/aquastat123.htm
Page
1
Industries Telecom (sophistication) Mobile - cell phones
Country Brief – NAMIBIA
February 2018
Table of Contents Economy at a glance............................................................................................................................... 7
February 2018 Economic Outlook Update s ............................................................................... 7
A glimpse of the future .......................................................................................................................... 8
Are Macro Grids the Future of Renewable Energy??? ............................................................... 8
Oil & Gas ................................................................................................................................................. 9
February Fuel prices .................................................................................................................... 9
Uranium ................................................................................................................................................ 10
New General Manager Operations appointed for Rössing Uranium ........................................ 10
Six patents registered for Marenica’s U-pgrade uranium extraction process .......................... 10
Deep Yellow commences with drilling exercise at Reptile Project ........................................... 11
Electricity .............................................................................................................................................. 12
Approved Electricity Tariffs (2017) ........................................................................................... 12
February 2018 Economic Outlook Update – Electricity & Water ............................................. 13
Africa Energy Indaba 2018 ........................................................................................................ 14
Namibia to export first lithium concentrate in March .............................................................. 14
Ohangwena Region gets additional power from NORED ......................................................... 15
Sheefeni Primary School receives electricity ............................................................................ 15
City tackles land and lights ........................................................................................................ 15
Progress on SORED.................................................................................................................... 16
Criminals take advantage of Oshiko darkness .......................................................................... 16
Renewable Energy ................................................................................................................................ 17
Poverty eradication ministry targets renewable energy by 2019 ............................................ 17
Unam undertakes research on renewable energy ................................................................... 17
Water .................................................................................................................................................... 18
Water availability ...................................................................................................................... 18
City structures car wash operations ......................................................................................... 18
Zambezi water-sharing Forum .................................................................................................. 19
Namibia could experience critical water shortage ................................................................... 19
Water rationing at Opuwo ........................................................................................................ 19
The fight against climate change .............................................................................................. 20
GCF taps from Libanda’s wisdom on climate adaptation finance ............................................ 20
Study on the “Benefits of bush control in Namibia” ................................................................ 21
Page
4
The Environment & Sustainability ....................................................................................................... 20
Country Brief – NAMIBIA
February 2018
Shifeta mulls plastic bag ban..................................................................................................... 21
Telecommunications ............................................................................................................................ 22
Nimbus acquires stake in Paratus ............................................................................................. 22
Roads and Transport ............................................................................................................................ 23
World Economic Forum ranks Namibia’s roads best in Africa.................................................. 23
NCCI applauds GRN on quality roads ranking ........................................................................... 23
Windhoek-Hosea Kutako road on track .................................................................................... 23
Single African Air Transport Market(IATA) launched ................................................................ 24
RFA targets billions from road users ......................................................................................... 24
Financing ............................................................................................................................................... 25
Namport and the Atlantic Coast of southwest Africa ............................................................... 25
African Development Bank 2017 achievement in Green Energy Projects ................................ 25
Namcor advertises lubricant tender ......................................................................................... 26
Careers .................................................................................................................................................. 28
Page
5
EDITORIAL TEAM ............................................................................................................................. 31
Country Brief – NAMIBIA
February 2018
COVER PAGE IMAGE https://www.business2community.com/s eo/4-creative-link-building-ideas-0587579
This report is a FREE Publication and was prepared by RDJ Consulting Services CC based in Windhoek, Namibia. The content is collated from publicly available information and so its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Advertising aligned with our objectives of Sustainable Resource usage is welcome. Contact Details; RDJ Consulting Services CC PO Box 23738 Windhoek, NAMIBIA
Editor: David Jarrett Author: Chilombo Olga Priscila
Telephone: +264 61 400 171 Email – Office@rdjconsulting.co.za RDJ Consulting Services CC is an advisory consultancy to the Energy, Water and Transport Sectors with a focus on sustainable operations and renewable energy.
Page
6
Visit our website www.rdjconsulting.co.za for more information.
Country Brief – NAMIBIA
February 2018 Economy at a glance
February 2018 Economic Outlook Update s2
T
he domestic economy
is estimated to have contracted in 2017 and is expected to recover gradually during 2018 and 2019. The Namibian economy is estimated to have shrunk by 0.6 percent in 2017, from a positive growth of 1.1 percent in 2016. This weak performance was mainly due to contractions in sectors such as construction, wholesale and retail trade, taxes on products, public sector, as well as, slower growth rates for manufacturing and electricity and water. Going forward, growth is projected to improve steadily to 1.4 percent and 2.1 percent in 2018 and 2019 respectively. The latest forecast revised 2017 growth downwards, largely due to weaker performances for taxes on products, diamond mining and public sector. The latest overall growth projection of -0.6 percent for 2017 represents a downward revision from a positive growth of 0.6 percent published during December 2017. As more information for 2017 became available, it is now clear that net collection for taxes on products (mainly value added tax) was lower. Moreover, diamond mining volumes came out lower than anticipated and growth for the public sector was also revised downward. Over the medium term, growth is projected to improve, mainly due to the expected recovery in taxes on products and reduced contractions in wholesale and retail trade and construction sectors. Growth is expected to increase to 1.4 percent and 2.1 percent in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Over the medium term, growth will be supported mainly by anticipated improvements in valued added tax, wholesale and retail trade, construction and sustained growth for transport and communication. Furthermore, uranium mining is expected to register robust growth rates during 2018 and 2019 and will increase its contribution to the mining and overall growth. Bank of Namibia Economic Outlook, February 2018
2
Page
7
https://www.bon.com.na/CMSTemplates/Bon/Files/bon.com.na/4d/4d10bb19-02d2-4f96-bfcab8805be4a0ac.pdf
Country Brief – NAMIBIA
February 2018
A glimpse of the future Are Macro Grids the Future of Renewable Energy???3
W
hile micro grids are in the public eye as a solution to power remote communities with solar,
futurism reports that wind and other forms of renewable energy, the transformative potential of macro grids utilizing vast electric lines often falls off the radar. Projects slowly growing all over the world are poised to revolutionize the way we transport clean electricity from the places where it’s produced to where it’s needed the most, solving the problem of intermittent power supply that still holds back the mass deployment of renewable infrastructure. For example, a single solar panel installed on a family home may produce too much electricity if it’s sunny and too little when it rains. On a much larger scale, macro grids could help solve this problem once and for all. While most energy grids rely on alternating current (AC), direct current (DC), where electricity flows in a single direction, is now making nationwide, high-voltage transmission lines possible. This is because DC can reliably carry a lot of power over greater distances, reducing energy losses typically occurring with alternating current systems. Examples around the World The United States has sources of renewable energy throughout the country, which would be sufficient to maintain its own energy requirements at costs similar to those that currently exist. This would be possible with the current technology available where greenhouse gas emissions would decrease by 78% below the levels of 1990 in 15 years. Four-fifths of the hydroelectric power in China is produced in the south-west, but most people live in eastern mega cities. The country has adapted to transporting large amounts of power over significant distances in both directions. The Global Energy Interconnection, which could become reality by 2050, is designed to connect a massive wind farm at the North Pole, solar power from equatorial areas, and more to cities all over the world. Research shows that producing and consuming energy locally has its advantages. But macro grids could prove truly revolutionary for the new low carbon economy. Figure 1 http://www.billion.com/about/Solutions/Smart%20Grid
3
Page
8
https://futurism.com/macro-grids-future-renewable-energy/amp/
Country Brief – NAMIBIA
February 2018 Oil & Gas
Liquid Fuels The Ministry of Mines and Energy announced that the prices of petrol and diesel pumps increased on 6th December 2017.4 Petrol (95 Octane) - N$ 11.70 /L Diesel (500 PPM) - N$ 11.73 / L Diesel (50 PPM) - N$ 11.78 / L Namibia has no refinery capacity to-date Namibia currently ranks 14th in the Fraser Institute Global Petroleum Survey, 2016 of small reserve holders, placing Namibia 5 places ahead of South Africa. www.fraserinstitute.org
February Fuel prices5
T
he Ministry of Mines and Energy has confirmed that fuel pump prices for February 2018 will remain
unchanged at N$11.70 per litre for 95 octane unleaded petrol, N$11.73 per litre for diesel 500ppm and N$11.78 per litre for diesel 50ppm.However, in order to generate additional revenue for the government, the Ministry of Finance increased the tax on fuel. The Ministry of Mines and Energy, therefore, increased the fuel tax by 15 c/l from 25 c/l to 40 c/l on all the price regulated fuel products. This has been effective since February the 7th, 2018.The effective date for this adjustment is February 7. However, fuel prices will be reduced by 15 c/l in the ready reckoners in order to offset the fuel tax increase and keep the pump prices unchanged.
4
http://www.mme.gov.na/files/publications/ https://www.newera.com.na/2018/02/05/fuel-prices-remain-unchanged-as-fuel-tax-increases/
Page
9
5
Country Brief – NAMIBIA
February 2018 Uranium
New General Manager Operations appointed for Rössing Uranium6
R
össing
Uranium
Limited’s Managing Director announced on January 29 that Liezl Davies has been appointed as the mine’s General Manager Operations. Liezl is the first female professional to hold the position of General Manager Operations in the mine’s more than 41 years of operations.She took over from Martin Tjipitaon February 1st 2018, who will be leaving Rössing to take up a senior executive role of leading the Namibian operations of an international company involved in the resources sector.
Six patents registered for Marenica’s U-pgrade uranium extraction process7
M
arenica Energy Limited has been granted two certified
Australian innovation Patents, three standard Australian Patents and a United States Patent over the entire U-pgrade process. Marenica developed the U-pgrade uranium process to provide a viable pathway for development of the Marenica Uranium Project in Namibia. Marenica has since demonstrated U-pgrade to be effective on other surficial style uranium ores around the world. Meanwhile, Marenica has completed testwork on ore samples from many local calcrete hosted uranium sources, concluding that the mineralogy is similar for all deposits, and the Company’s proprietary U-pgrade process is expected to have a positive impact on the cost of U3O8 production from these styles of deposit. Specifically, the Company completed an U-pgrade amenability testwork programme on ore samples from Paladin Energy Limited´s 75%-owned Langer Heinrich Uranium Mine. The testwork, aimed at confirming the substantial benefits of Marenica´s proprietary U-pgrade process to LHM programme, was successful.
Rössing Uranium, Namibia’s first commercial uranium mine began operating and celebrated its 40thyear of production in 2016.
Page
https://economist.com.na/32397/human-resources/first-female-professional-appointed-as-rossing-uraniumsgeneral-manager-operations/ 7 https://economist.com.na/32445/mining-energy/patents-for-marenicas-u-pgrade-process-granted/
10
6
Country Brief – NAMIBIA
February 2018
Deep Yellow commences with drilling exercise at Reptile Project8
D
eep Yellow announced in February that a 10,000m RC drilling programme commenced on the
Reptile Project within EPLs 3496 and 3497. According to Deep Yellow, the drilling has a two-fold focus: Assess approximately 40km of the 100km of highly prospective palaeochannel system that has been delineated and remaining to be tested. Drill line spacing on these priority target zones will be 400 to 800m drilled on 200m intervals. Drilling is expected to be of an average depth of 30 to 40m. This program is expected to be completed by the end of June 2018. This drilling programme is expected to delineate new mineralised areas over the 40km of palaeochannels that will be tested in this phase and some of which may be, if time allows, followed up in the current program. The drilling programme is continuing the exploration push to increase the inferred resource base of the calcrete type uranium mineralisation in palaeochannels towards the target of circa 150Mlb U3O8 in the grade range of 350 to 500ppm U3O8.
Page
https://economist.com.na/32766/mining-energy/deep-yellow-commences-with-drilling-exercise-at-reptileproject/
11
8
Country Brief – NAMIBIA
February 2018 Electricity
Approved Electricity Tariffs (2017) Area Provider
Tariff Schedule (Web Link)
CENORED
http://www.ecb.org.na/images/docs/Tariffs/2018/CENORED_2017.pdf
City of Windhoek Erongo RED
http://www.ecb.org.na/images/docs/Tariffs/2018/COW_2017.pdf http://www.ecb.org.na/images/docs/Tariffs/2018/Erongo_RED_2017.pdf
Keetmanshoop http://www.ecb.org.na/images/docs/Tariffs/2018/Keetmanshoop_2017.pdf Mariental
http://www.ecb.org.na/images/docs/Tariffs/2018/Mariental_2017.pdf
Nampower
http://www.ecb.org.na/images/docs/Tariffs/2018/NamPower_2017.pdf
NamPower Transmission NamPower TOU
http://www.ecb.org.na/images/docs/Tariffs/2018/NamPower_Transmission_2017.pdf
NORED
http://www.ecb.org.na/images/docs/Tariffs/2018/Nored_2017.pdf
OPE
http://www.ecb.org.na/images/docs/Tariffs/2018/OPE_2017.pdf
Regenstein
http://www.ecb.org.na/images/docs/Tariffs/2018/Regenstein_2017.pdf
SunGate
http://www.ecb.org.na/images/docs/Tariffs/2018/SunGate_2017.pdf
http://www.ecb.org.na/images/docs/Tariffs/2018/NP_TOU_TARIFFS_2017.pdf
Page
The original can be found at http://www.ecb.org.na//images/docs/Tariffs/documents/Net_Metering_Avoided_Cost_1617.pdf
12
Net Metering
Country Brief – NAMIBIA
February 2018
February 2018 Economic Outlook Update – Electricity & Water9
G
rowth in the electricity and water sector is estimated to have moderated in 2017 and is
projected to remain stable over the medium term. Growth for the electricity and water sector is estimated at 1.4 percent in 2017, which is a deterioration from 6.8 percent in the previous year. The slowdown came from the electricity sub-sector, where local electricity generation declined and imports increased during 2017. The water sector performed better in 2017 given higher dam levels that helped in reducing water treatment costs. Going forward, growth in the electricity and water sector is expected to pick-up as the overall demand for energy and water increases in response to domestic economic recovery in 2018 and 2019.
Bank of Namibia Economic Outlook, February 2018
Page
https://www.bon.com.na/CMSTemplates/Bon/Files/bon.com.na/4d/4d10bb19-02d2-4f96-bfcab8805be4a0ac.pdf
13
9
Country Brief – NAMIBIA
February 2018
Africa Energy Indaba 201810
A
frica Energy Indaba 2018 was held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from the 20 - 21 February 2018.
The Africa Energy Indaba Conference is the definitive energy conference for Africa providing an annual programme that shapes energy policy for the African continent. Key issues that impact the African Energy Sector were discussed and debated at the event, based on the outcomes of the 2018 Africa Energy Ministerial Roundtable. Africa is a continent of contrasts. It has the fastest urbanising continent in the world, and must provide energy to meet the annual urban growth rate, which is twice as high as Asia and Latin America, while, as home to the poorest of the poor, it must find innovate energy solutions for 50% of the worlds impoverished. The fourth annual African Energy Indaba was a forum and business networking opportunity for decision-makers and leading role-players planning and developing Africa’s energy future. The CONFERENCE provided opportunity to: debate policy review industrial progress and market trends discuss the efficiency of various public support mechanisms and public-private partnerships across the continent review new data and the latest technological trends globally
Namibia to export first lithium concentrate in March11 Namibia’s Ports Authority (NamPort) will facilitate the exportation of around 30,000 tonnes of lithium concentrate every 6 weeks to Mainland China via Walvis Bay Port in March 2018, according to the state owned enterprise. According to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, Lithium concentrate is used in batteries (42 percent); glass (20%); greases (10%); air treatment (8%); and other (20%). The Vice President of Investor Relations at Desert Lion Energy – a lithium mining company situated in the south of Namibia, said the overall market today is 200,000 tonnes and consensus estimates are for 800,000 tonnes of demand by 2025. According to her the batteries segment is forecasted to grow to 65 – 70 %.
10
http://www.africaenergyindaba.com/
Page
https://economist.com.na/32851/mining-energy/namibia-to-export-first-lithium-concentrate-in-march/
14
11
Country Brief – NAMIBIA
February 2018
Ohangwena Region gets additional power from NORED12
T
he Northern Regions Electricity Distribution Company (NORED) through its social responsibility
programme, commissioned the electrification of the Ekango Lamulunga area in Ohangwena Region in January 2018. According to NORED's board chairman, the project which was fully funded by NORED, was completed in May 2017 at a cost of N$940 000. The residents in this area now have access to electricity and they are only expected to apply to NORED in order for their homes to be connected.
Sheefeni Primary School receives electricity13
T
he Oshikoto Regional Council through a public-private partnership (PPP) with LI Architects, Power
Consult and Asher Consulting Services, contributed over N$123,000 to electrify the school. The surplus was used to purchase the computers, photocopy machines and printer, with an additional N$4,300 contributed by parents.
City tackles land and lights14
A
bout 30 000 homes and more than 4 000 demarcated erven in the informal settlements of
Windhoek are waiting to be provided with electricity. While the City of Windhoek has announced the allocation of more than 200 single residential erven, it is also facing a severe backlog in electrifying more than 30 000 homes and more than 4 000 demarcated erven in the informal settlements of Windhoek. In the informal settlements, the municipality is facing pressure to address a huge backlog in electricity provision. It has a target of electrifying 4 000 formalised and demarcated erven. Further, there are more than 30 000 “un-formalised homes” in the informal areas that need to be electrified. One of the objectives of the City's transformation strategic plan 2017 to 2022 is to “increase access to municipal services, including electricity services, within the boundaries of the city”. Planning, designs and contract administration for this objective are being handled in-house by the municipality's electricity department.
12
https://www.namibiansun.com/news/power-to-the-people2018-01-29/ https://www.newera.com.na/2018/02/22/sheefeni-primary-receives-electricity-computer-lab/
13
Page
https://www.namibiansun.com/news/city-tackles-land-and-lights2018-03-02/
15
14
Country Brief – NAMIBIA
February 2018
Progress on SORED15
T
he establishment of the Southern Regional Electricity Distributor (SORED) builds on the existence
of other distributors in the north, west and central parts of the country. ECB CEO – Foibe Namene said that a consultant was appointed to develop a business plan for SORED, and municipalities in the south are aware of this appointment and have welcomed it. Namene added that engagements have been ongoing with stakeholders in the south. The ECB views this in a positive light, and regards them as the much-needed buy-in for the establishment of Southern Regional Electricity Distributor SORED. The ECB is optimistic that once concerns on issues such as local authority surcharges (LA surcharges) and shareholding by the local authorities have been resolved, SORED could be established before the end of 2018.
Criminals take advantage of Oshiko darkness16
R
esidents of Oshiko have shown concern to their Town Council about their need for electricity.
According to them, the lack services, especially electricity from the Ongwediva Town Council, and this has made them vulnerable to criminals. Currently only those who can afford to apply for electricity to be installed from a transformer, which is situated along the main road, have access to electricity in that area. The Ongwediva Town Council spokesperson, said he is aware of the situation, but due to limited funds, they are unable to electrify Oshiko at this stage. Therefore, he could not give a timeframe for when electrification would be taking place, adding that this will be determined by the availability of resources. Figure 2 https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/4c5bJbMGnmIMb5v1_mCt773CI4LHrQw_uHUeB96K0C-5llQf5rcNeH0H6ByFR_3NkVHOJYu7NfFcAx8ucJMmJyYI4G-V_gS=s1200
15
https://www.namibiansun.com/news/notable-progress-on-sored-says-ecb2018-03-01/
Page
https://www.namibiansun.com/news/criminals-exploit-oshiko-darkness2018-02-06/
16
16
Country Brief – NAMIBIA
February 2018 Renewable Energy
he ministry of poverty eradication and
social welfare has committed itself to supplying affordable renewable energy to Namibians in the low income sector by 2019. The ministry is seeking funding from the international initiative. Poverty eradication Minister Zephania Kameeta said that poverty cannot not be eradicated if the impact of climate change on environment and sustainability is not addressed. He said the implementation plan on wealth redistribution and poverty eradication includes cheap energy resources such as solar power units and bio-mass energy. The minister said this target can be achieved by raising awareness of renewable energy technology and demand-side management. If fast actions are not implemented on climate change, Namibia will soon see the increase of internal migrants due to drought in certain parts of the country, accompanied by social unrest, he added.
T
he University of Namibia’s (Unam) Faculty
of Science is currently undertaking research on renewable energy with the aim of utilising local natural resources such as copper and zinc, among other minerals. The research aims to convert the resources into new solar materials using thin films technologies, which could capture light particles and convert them into electricity. The Ambassador Zhang Yiming of the People’s Republic of China to Namibia donated N$300,000 towards research at Unam in February 2018. During the donation handover, Professor Lazarus Hangula said “with the availability of resources the research has the great potential to produce an output that would improve the lives of many Namibians in rural and urban areas. It would contribute to the reduction of carbon emission in the quest to reduce global warming.”
Figure 3 CREDITS: https://www.smartenergy.com/
Among the research areas identified by the National Commission of Research, Science and Technology (NCRST), renewable energy is one of the top priorities on the research agenda list.
17
18
https://www.namibiansun.com/news/pover ty-eradication-ministry-targets-renewableenergy-by-20192018-02-05/
https://www.newera.com.na/2018/03/02/u nam-undertakes-research-on-renewableenergy/
17
T
Unam undertakes research on renewable energy18
Page
Poverty eradication ministry targets renewable energy by 201917
Country Brief – NAMIBIA
February 2018 Water
Water demand in Namibia is met via surface and artesian sources. Water availability19
T
he overall Dam capacities had been
recorded at 414.041 million cubic metres (Mm3) during May 2017. However, such levels have been declining since then, down to 275.623Mm3 in January 22, 201820. As reported in the RDJ Briefing publication for January 201821 (Page 16), the limited number of volunteers collecting rainfall data countrywide has affected the Namibia Meteorological Service's (NMS) data monitoring hence, recent dam levels / capacity have not been published by NamWater.
City structures car wash operations22
T
he Windhoek Municipality is focusing on
regulating car washes amid the renewed threat of empty dams. The recent council agenda minutes show that the City is increasingly putting in place measures to improve control of formal and informal car washes. Emphasis has been
placed on accommodating a wide variety of car washes, including formal and informal operations, with the goal of ensuring all comply with water saving and other regulations. Four distinct types of car washes have been approved, each with its own set of requirements to comply with in order to be able to operate legally. 1. Conventional car wash operations “as run by commercial businesses” 2. Car washes operated from residential properties 3. Mobile car washes, which have been on the increase in Windhoek and usually operate from either public or private parking areas City of Windhoek officials noted that the “need to manage and control car wash operations” is based on the recent drought and ongoing concerns about water shortages, challenges to monitor and regulate car wash businesses and non-compliance by operators in the industry. Should current conditions prevail, the city will be headed towards another critical water shortage phase therefore; the municipality urges residents to implement water savings measures, so that the city doesn't run dry.
Figure 4 http://www.kennettmo.org/page16/index.html
21
https://issuu.com/rdjbriefing/docs/rdj_briefin g_publication_january 22
https://www.namibiansun.com/news/citystructures-car-wash-operations2018-03-05/
18
https://www.namwater.com.na/index.php?optio n=com_jumi&view=application&fileid=6&Itemid=1 09 20 Actual data as reported by NamWater (22 January 2018 – www.namwater.com.na)
Page
19
Country Brief – NAMIBIA amibia has attended discussions on the
sharing of the Zambezi River with Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The two-day meeting was scheduled to start on February 23rd 2018, in Swakopmund. On the agenda was the management of infrastructure development of watercourses. The forum was established to promote the equitable and reasonable utilisation of the water resources of the Zambezi Watercourse as well as the efficient management and sustainable development thereof. The 2018’s meeting focussed on the adoption of policies and decisions and provided necessary guidance on the promotion, support, and coordination of the efficient management and sustainable development of the water resources of the Zambezi Watercourse. The meeting also discussed some of the major projects being implemented such as the development of the Strategic Plan for the Zambezi Watercourse.
Namibia could experience critical water shortage24
T
he Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of
Agriculture, Water and Forestry, Percy Misika said that if no sufficient rain is received, water bodies such as rivers, dams and groundwater aquifers could be very low or even dry up. He said the fact that Namibia has had late rains requires alternative plans to be in place in case poor rainfall is experienced during the remaining period of the rainy season. Furthermore, he added that plans are being implemented ranging from upgrading water transfer schemes such as Karst to Windhoek,
23
https://www.newera.com.na/2018/02/23/namib ia-to-discuss-water-sharing-with-neighbours/ 24 https://www.newera.com.na/2018/01/31/namib ia-could-experience-critical-water-shortage/
In 2017, the ministry’s augmentation study indicated that the only water supply options available for the Central Regions are Kavango River abstraction and desalinated water from the coast.
Water rationing at Opuwo25
T
he town council of Opuwo is reportedly
losing a lot of money because of a leaking water network. The council has now opted to shut down the water supply at night to reduce the excessively high water bill. Both the town and the surrounding villages are without water between 19:00 and 06:00 and residents and institutions have been urged to collect enough water during the day to use at night. The town's acting CEO, Iiyambo Benjamin, said that the council was investigating the leaks in the town's pipelines. He urged residents and institutions to ensure that they have enough water for use during the shutdown. He also said that Opuwo does not receive water from the Calueque Dam in Angola and is not affected by the water shortage being experienced by the north-central regions. NamWater supplies Opuwo with water from boreholes around the town.
25
https://www.namibiansun.com/news/wat er-rationing-at-opuwo2018-02-01/
19
N
and development of new schemes such as the expansion of the Windhoek aquifer (drilling of numerous boreholes in Windhoek). Other plans he mentioned include feasibility studies for major projects such as Kavango link and coastal water supply and the implementation of trans-boundary water projects such as the Kunene trans-boundary water supply project and the Stampriet groundwater project. Also, government has also committed to drilling of boreholes and laying of pipelines in the northern part of the country, depending on availability of funds he said.
Page
Zambezi water-sharing Forum23
February 2018
Country Brief – NAMIBIA
February 2018
The Environment & Sustainability The fight against climate change26 he Namibia Ministry Environment and
According to Shifeta, estimations indicate that Namibia will need about US$22 billion for adaptation and US$11 billion (N$129.8 billion) for mitigation. Namibia has communicated its climate change actions through its Intended Determined Contributions (INDC) submitted to the United Nations Framework on Climate Change (UNDCC). In this document, Namibia pledged very ambitious commitments to the world to tackle the problem and ultimately, to achieve the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement. Shifeta said Namibia's commitments to the world in terms of emissions are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 89% by 2030. This will involve increasing the share of renewable energy consumption on electricity production to 70% by 2030, and reducing energy consumption by about 10% through energy efficiency programmes. He further added that Namibia has the most fertile grounds for renewable energy in the world and has one of the best solar regimes. In the transport sector, Namibia commit to reduce emissions by 1 300 metric tonnes, and this will be achieved through the implantation 26
https://www.namibiansun.com/news/accesseased-to-fight-climate-change2018-03-02/
GCF taps from Libanda’s wisdom on climate adaptation finance27
T
he Green Climate Fund (GCF), a financial
mechanism under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) which helps fund climate finance investment, has chosen CEO of the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) Benedict Libanda to be part of a team of experts to contribute to the GCF’s efforts of developing good approaches and scope for support to climate adaptation finance. Libanda has been invited by the GFC to be part of the fund’s two-day technical experts workshop on climate adaptation, whose objectives are to explore current status of climate adaptation finance and activities, and to identify best practices in climate adaptation projects programme. The gathering, that was scheduled for the 5th and 6th of March 2018 in Songodo, South Korea, is part of the GCF’s drive to gather inputs to be used in developing a proposal for fund’s approach and scope for support to adaption activities, which will take into account best practices from other multilateral funds and other approaches.
27
https://www.newera.com.na/2018/01/23/g cf-taps-from-libandas-wisdom-on-climateadaptation-finance/
20
Tourism has signed agreement on the 1st of March with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) regarding access to the Green Climate Fund. The Environment Minister, Pohamba Shifeta said the ministry stands ready to work with the financial institution to come up with bankable, transformative projects that can be submitted to the Green Climate Fund for funding.
Page
T
of mass green transportation systems in urban areas, starting with the City of Windhoek.
Country Brief – NAMIBIA
ore than 6.3 million hectares or 60
percent of the bush-encroached area in Otjozondjupa region could be targeted for bush control, resulting in an overall reduction of 38.5 percent in bush density across the region and reducing the density of dominant encroacher species by 90 percent without touching non-encroacher species. These life-changing findings, for especially communal farmers, are contained in a special case study for the Otjozondjupa region over 25 years by the Economics of Land Degradation Initiative. The study titled “Benefits of bush control in Namibia” provides an assessment of economic opportunities for the Otjozondjupa region. Most of Namibia’s fourth biggest region, at more than 10.5 million hectares, is affected by bush encroachment.
28
https://www.newera.com.na/2017/10/03/studyreveals-vast-economic-potential-withinotjozondjupa/
E
nvironment Minister PohambaShifeta says
the days of plastic bags being used unabated in Namibia are swiftly coming to an end, and his Ministry is looking at ways of banning plastic bags in the country. Each year, more and more plastic bags end up littering the environment. Once they become litter, plastic bags find their way into waterways, parks, beaches and streets. And, if they are burned, they infuse the air with toxic fumes. Many animals die after ingesting plastic bags, while mistaking them for food, while one of their worst environmental effects is that they are non-biodegradable and decomposition takes hundreds of years. Littering is becoming a trend that needs to stop. According to Shifeta, one of the ways of getting rid of plastic bags is introducing a levy, while another is totally banning their use. The Ministry is coming up with regulations and the laws will be changed, he said.
29
https://www.namibiansun.com/news/shifet a-mulls-plastic-bag-ban2018-02-21/
21
M
Shifeta mulls plastic bag ban29
Page
Study on the “Benefits of bush control in Namibia” 28
February 2018
Country Brief – NAMIBIA
February 2018 Telecommunications
Nimbus acquires stake in Paratus30
C
apital pool company, Nimbus, has acquired a 26.5 percent stake in Paratus Africa, at a cost of N$95
million. Nimbus is the first capital pool company to list on the Namibian bourse in September last year. A capital pool company is a capital raising structure that is relatively commonly utilised in North America and more recently, South Africa, which allows for capital raising and co-investment by various institutional and individual investors in order to seek and develop potential investments. Paratus Africa is the fastest growing and also the largest privately owned Pan African telecoms operator. It already delivers products and services to 22 African countries and has fully licenced and operational offices in Namibia, Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia and South Africa. The two entities say in a statement the transaction “allows huge potential growth for both Namibian entities to grow beyond Namibia’s border.”
Figure 5 https://www.informationsecuritybuzz.com/articles/3-steps-smooth-secure-business-software-system-integration/
Page
https://www.newera.com.na/2018/02/08/nimbus-acquires-stake-in-paratus-for-n95-million/
22
30
Country Brief – NAMIBIA
February 2018 Roads and Transport
World Economic Forum ranks Namibia’s roads best in Africa31 he Roads Authority (RA) has confirmed
that Namibia was once again accorded the top position of having the best roads in Africa by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
Namibia tops the list of African countries in the category of road infrastructure development with a notable score of 5.2 out of 7, above Ecuador, Bahrain, Qatar and Great Britain which all scored 5.1. The only other African countries to make it to the top 50 list were South Africa and Rwanda with a score of 5.0 each followed by Mauritius with a 4.7 score. The United Arab Emirates took the overall top position with a remarkable 6.5 score. Since the establishment of the Roads Authority in April 2000, the organization has continued to play a vital role in the socioeconomic development of Namibia, and in particular the advancement of previously neglected areas in the country. The expansion of the road network has already started to bear fruit as many of the communities in Namibia have access to the main centres of the country. Also, Namibia’s road network
31
https://www.newera.com.na/2018/02/13/world -economic-forum-ranks-namibias-roads-best-inafrica/
T
he Namibia Chamber of Commerce and
Industry (NCCI) has welcomed the “excellent” ratings by the Global Competitiveness Report, published annually by the World Economic Forum on the quality road infrastructure of Namibia. The 2017-2018 rating has placed Namibia at the 31st position amongst 137 countries and maintained its top position among the best 10 in Africa. The NCCI notes that this rating is a result of the past consistent investments and efforts made by Government in line with Vision 2030. The Chamber added that government and the private sector should work closely together through public private partnerships to maintain transport and logistics infrastructure in order to stimulate increased economic activities.
Windhoek-Hosea Kutako road on track33
R
oads Authority (RA) Chief Executive
Officer, Conrad Lutombi has announced it has made significant progress in the first phase of the Windhoek-Hosea Kutako road upgrade to 32
https://www.newera.com.na/2018/02/07/ncciapplauds-grn-on-quality-roads-ranking/ 33 https://www.newera.com.na/2018/02/27/wind hoek-hosea-kutako-road-on-track-lutombi/
23
The results were released via the WEF’s Global Competitiveness Report for 2017/18, which tracks the performance of approximately 140 countries on 12 pillars of competitiveness, including the quality of road infrastructure development. The development of road infrastructure has been identified as one of the main catalysts for economic development.
NCCI applauds GRN on quality roads ranking32
Page
T
continues to contribute to the economic growth of other SADC countries, since it is the only country in SADC that has well-developed and functioning corridors.
Country Brief – NAMIBIA
According to him, the envisage completion date of this project is October 2019.
Single African Air Transport Market(IATA) launched34
T
he International Air Transport Association
(IATA) welcomes the launch of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative by the African Union (AU) to open up Africa’s skies and improve intra-African air connectivity. Enhanced connectivity will stimulate demand, improve the competitiveness of the African
34
https://www.newera.com.na/2018/01/30/imple mentation-is-key-for-single-african-air-transportmarket-iata/
RFA targets billions from road users35
T
he total budget allocation to local
authorities for the 2018/19 financial year has been increased by nearly 38% to N$117 million. The Road Fund Administration (RFA) hopes to collect more than N$2.5 billion in revenue from the Namibian Road User Charging System (RUCS) during the 2017/18 financial year which ends in March 2018. The RFA CEO said that RFA wants to see proper budgeting, project planning and optimal utilisation of the allocated funds by authorities at all levels in the maintenance of roads. According to him, the total budget allocation to the authorities for the 2018/19 financial year has been increased to N$117 million compared to the previous N$85 million. Road user charges consist of fuel levies, annual vehicle license and registration fees, mass distance and cross border charges, as well as abnormal load fees.
35
https://www.namibiansun.com/news/rfatargets-billions-from-road-users2018-0215/
24
Phase 1: Consist of the upgrade to a dual carriageway of 8.4 kilometres over urban portion between main road 49 (Mandume Ndemufayo Avenue) and the extension of Sam Nujoma drive to the south east of Windhoek. In addition, ten new bridges and three interchanges will also be constructed, while the two existing bridges over the railway line and the Arebbusch River will be widened and rehabilitated to increase its lifespan. Phase 2: Will start from the interchange of Sam Nujoma Drive to Hosea Kutako International Airport, covering a distance of 34 kilometers.
airline industry, and make air travel more accessible. In turn, this will enable higher volumes of trade, expanded tourism and growing commerce between African nations and the rest of the world.
Page
a dual carriageway. He added that the project is being constructed in two phases.
February 2018
Country Brief – NAMIBIA
February 2018 Financing
Namport and the Atlantic Coast of southwest Africa36
T
he Chinese ambassador, Zhang Yiming said in February that Namibia’s port in Walvis Bay is set to
become the “most brilliant pearl on the Atlantic Coast of southwest Africa” with the delivery of four ship-to-shore (STS) cranes manufactured by China. The cranes, manufactured by China’s Zhenhua Port Machinery Company, will be deployed at the new container terminal that is expected to be completed by mid-2019. The project, developed by the state-run China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC) since 2014, will have a throughput capacity of 750,000twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) per year. Expected to be completed by mid-2019, the terminal will have two 600-meter-long berths and accommodate container vessels of 8,000 TEUs. Earlier in February 2018, Namport said the container terminal currently under construction in Walvis Bay is 76% completed. The new port will also be connected to the existing port’s road and rail networks as well as communication systems.
African Development Bank 2017 achievement in Green Energy Projects37
T
he African Development Bank achieved a 100% investment in renewable energy in 2017, a major
landmark in its commitment to clean energy and efficiency. Power generation projects with a cumulative 1,400 megawatts exclusively from renewables were approved during the year, with plans to increase support for renewable energy projects in 2018 under the New Deal on Energy for Africa. “We are clearly leading on renewable energy. We will help Africa unlock its full energy potential, while developing a balanced energy mix to support industrialization. Our commitment is to ensure 100% climate screening for all Bank financed projects” said Akinwumi Adesina, the Bank’s President.
Page
https://economist.com.na/32856/special-focus/namport-to-become-the-most-brilliant-pearl-on-theatlantic-coast-of-southwest-africa/ 37 https://economist.com.na/31775/special-focus/african-development-bank-achieves-100-investment-ingreen-energy-projects-in-2017/
25
36
Country Brief – NAMIBIA Tenders
February 2018
NAMCOR38 Namcor advertises lubricant tender39
T
he National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) earlier this month called for
international bids for a lucrative five-year tender for the supply and delivery of lubricants. The lubricant tender is a much sought-after and lucrative prospect, because Namcor sells the lubricants to car, truck and boat dealers across the country. The closing date for submissions is 9 March 2018.
NAMPOWER40 Designing, Testing, Delivering, Installing, and Commissioning of the Generator CTs and VTs for Unit 1, 2 and 3 at Ruacana Power Station Bid Number G/ONB/NPWR-11/2018 Bid Type Open National Bidding Closing Date 09 Mar 2018 at 11:00 Namibian Time Designing, Testing, Delivering, Installing, and Commissioning of the Generator Protection Schemes Upgrade from Electromechanical Relays to Intelligent Electronic Devices for Unit 1, 2 and 3 at Ruacana Power Station Bid Number G/ONB/NPWR-12/2018 Bid Type Open National Bidding Closing Date 09 Mar 2018 at 11:00 Namibian Time
Consultation services to conduct an audit on the refurbishment of Van Eck Power Station Bid Number SC/RP/NPWR-08/2018 Bid Type Request for Proposal Closing Date 09 Mar 2018 at 11:00 Namibian Time Consultation services for an independent assessment on partial and complete power outages experienced in Namibia on 18 April 2016, 28 June 2016 and 22 July 2016, respectively Bid Number SC/RP/NPWR-09/2018 Bid Type Request for Proposal Closing Date 09 Mar 2018 at 11:00 Namibian Time
38
www.namcor.com.na/ https://www.namibiansun.com/news/namcor-advertises-lubricant-tender2018-02-22/ 40 http://www.nampower.com.na
Page
26
39
Country Brief – NAMIBIA
February 2018
Services of a Specialist in Archaeology to conduct a study on Warmbad Substation and 33kV Transmission line. Bid Number SC/RP/NPWR-05/2018 Bid Type Request for Proposal Closing Date 16 Mar 2018 at 11:00 Namibian Time Consultation services for the annual impairment review of assets of the Generation, Transmission and Distribution assets at the end of the current financial year, 30 June 2018. Bid Number SC/RP/NPWR-10/2018 Bid Type Request for Proposal Closing Date 16 Mar 2018 at 11:00 Namibian Time
Page
27
G/ONB/NPWR – 16/2018:Supply and Delivery of Combined Three (3) Phase Neutral ElectroMagnetic Couplers (NECS) with Neutral Earthing Resistors (NERS) and Auxiliary Transformers Bid Number G/ONB/NPWR – 16/2018 Bid Type Open National Bidding Closing Date 16 Mar 2018 at 12:00 Namibian Time
Country Brief – NAMIBIA
February 2018 Careers
NAMPOWER41 Material Requirement Planning Controller , closing date: 09 Mar 2018 Reference: Location: Unit/Department: Section: Primary Purpose of the job:
14565 Brakwater Finance, Treasury & Property Management Stores  The incumbent will be responsible for the planning and procurement of material for all NamPower warehouses as required. He/She will also be responsible for overseeing the delivery and assembling of material ordered, as well as ensuring that materials needed for the execution of projects, maintenance, operations, plants and/or assemblies, are available as required.
http://www.nampower.com.na
Page
41
28
Closing date 09 Mar 2018
Country Brief – NAMIBIA
February 2018
Energy & Sustainability (Namibia) Namibia’s #1 source for Energy & Sustainability is receiving attention from everyone these days. The concentration of our efforts in research and development yields this opportunity for you to reach your clients and professionals in a new way. Our aim is to provide facts, news and make connections with the media, investors, social networks and consumers around the world who influence Energy & Sustainability.
Changing the way that business is done! The RDJ Briefing is a monthly briefing paper
Namibia InFocus is a FACTBOOK released as
that quickly wraps up the happenings in the sectors of Energy, Transport, Water and the Environment so that you are always up-to date. The Briefing provides a space for the reader to explore a wide variety of subjects in Namibia.
an annual publication, providing the Energy & Sustainability community, investors, changemakers and academia with facts and figures.
Topics include economic indicators, tariffs, new generation projects, off-grid, funding and rural affairs.
Topics include Quick facts on Namibia, Government Policy, Oil and Gas data, Nuclear Sector updates, Energy trading, Transmission and Generation history, renewable energies such as biofuels, wind and solar, energy tariffs, new generation projects, off-grid projects, funding and the key economic sectors.
Information is Power, be informed!
Page
We are the place to go to get accurate and timely Energy & Sustainability information in Namibia.
29
RDJ Consulting focuses on meeting the Energy and Sustainability needs of the sector through consulting, advisory services, due-diligence, tendering, project screening, project development, seminars, exhibitions, and the manging of risks amongst others.
Country Brief – NAMIBIA
February 2018
SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
Item RDJ Briefing (Electronic Edition) Item Namibia InFocus (Summary) (Electronic Edition) Namibia InFocus (Electronic Edition)
Cost (VAT incl.) N$ FREE (Online Publication)
Costing (N$) VAT incl FREE / per Factbook N$ 300.00 / per Factbook
The RDJ Briefing offered Free by: RDJ Consulting42, humbly requests you to forward this newsletter to your colleagues or associates who might be interested in receiving this Energy & Sustainability Country Briefing. REGISTER: If you do not currently receive this publication but desire to do so, please click on the following link SUBSCRIBE Or email:office@rdjconsulting.co.za
RDJ Consulting Services CC, PO Box 23738, Windhoek, NAMIBIA (A Namibian Registered Company)
Page
42
30
If you are a current subscriber, sorry to see you go but you can unsubscribe from this newsletter at any time by clicking here
Country Brief – NAMIBIA
February 2018
EDITORIAL TEAM RESEARCHER: Chilombo Olga Priscila
WRITER: Chilombo Olga Priscila
LAYOUT: Chilombo Olga Priscila
EDITOR: David Jarrett
PUBLISHER: RDJ Consulting
CONTACT: RDJ Consulting Services CC PO Box 23738 Windhoek, NAMIBIA Telephone: +264 61 400 171 Email – Office@rdjconsulting.co.za
RDJ Consulting Services CC is an advisory consultancy to the Energy, Water and Transport Sectors with a focus on sustainable operations and renewable energy.
Page
31
Visit our website www.rdjconsulting.co.za for more information.
Country Brief – NAMIBIA
February 2018
Another Year! Another Challenge!
Page
32
AHEAD