Innovation must not widen inequalities – Amutse

AFRICA has been called to ensure that innovation does not widen inequalities but strengthens resilience and expands access for all key sectors such as energy, water, communications and transport.

This was said by minister of industries, mines and energy Modestus Amutse at the official opening of the 22nd annual conference and general assembly of the African Forum for Utility Regulators (Afur), hosted by the Electricity Control Board of Namibia (ECB), at Swakopmund on Monday.

He said the conference, held under the theme ‘Innovative Technologies for Inclusive and Resilient Utility Regulation’, is timely and captures a critical moment in Namibia’s developmental journey.

“It aligns with the government’s commitment to sustainable industrialisation, energy security and inclusive economic growth as outlined in our national development frameworks,” said Amutse.

The minister said Namibia’s energy sector is rich in renewables.

“While our country is fast emerging as a continental leader in green hydrogen development and a preferred destination for sustainable energy investment, we prioritise accessible, affordable and clean energy, with our water, communication and road network remaining second to none,” he said.

“Afur’s focus on emerging technologies aligns with our goals, fostering regional cooperation and knowledge sharing,” he said, adding that Namibia is committed to creating regulatory ecosystems that attract investment, promote innovation and guarantee reliable and affordable services.

Amutse said Namibia’s renewable energy resources, including solar, wind and green hydrogen, position the country as a potential future powerhouse in clean energy development.

He said digital monitoring, desalination and smart metering are emerging as essential tools for resilience in water management.

“In communications, our digital transformation agenda prioritises broadband expansion, data accessibility and digital literacy, while in transport, we continue modernising our ports, roads and logistics corridors to support regional integration and economic competitiveness.

“These efforts align closely with Afur’s objectives of promoting harmonised, forward-looking regulatory frameworks across Africa,” Amutse said, adding that for many, access to reliable electricity still determines whether a child can study at home at night or whether a clinic can save lives.

Speaking at the event, ECB board vice chairperson Tjama Tjivikua said Afur was established in 2002 to share best practices, improve regulatory capacity and harmonise market structures across the African continent.

Tjivikua highlighted one of the key challenges Afur faces being Africa’s fast-growing population of 1.5 billion inhabitants, with roughly 600 to 685 million or 46% (mainly in rural areas) lacking access to electricity.

“In another form, this represents over 80% of the overall energy access gap, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa with a population of 1.3 billion. Yet we live in the midst of vast untapped renewable potential,” he said.

“As the ECB transitions from an electricity-focused regulator to a broader energy regulator – the Namibia Energy Regulatory Agency – it is adopting a coordinated international approach to align with global best practices, foster regulatory harmonisation and engage with key stakeholders to navigate rapidly evolving energy landscapes,” he said.

ECB chief executive and Afur deputy chairperson Robert Kahimise says Afur’s partnership with the African Union has been instrumental in advancing Africa’s Agenda 2063 goals.

“Through this collaboration, Afur contributes to policy frameworks and regulatory best practices that support Africa’s socio-economic development,” he says.

Afur chairperson Honoré Tapamo says the forum is a diverse and growing family comprising 52 regulators, including 39 full members and 13 observer members, representing 31 countries across the continent.

“Our membership reflects a truly pan-African reach, with three countries from North Africa, 12 from West Africa, two from Central Africa, six from East Africa, and eight from southern Africa. A total of 29 out of 39 (full members) regulatory institutions made the trip to Namibia. This is a record,” he says.

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