WINDHOEK, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Namibia has called on African countries to stop relying on imported electricity and instead invest in local renewable energy to strengthen energy independence.

Speaking at the opening of the Regional Energy Regulators Association (RERA) conference on Wednesday in Swakopmund, a city on the western coast of the country, Namibia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Natangue Ithete said the region is facing rising electricity costs and unstable power supply, which are affecting ordinary people and economies.

"The long-term solution lies in bold, coordinated action, such as investing in domestic renewable energy generation, strengthening transmission and storage infrastructure, and creating a regulatory environment that attracts private investment while protecting the vulnerable," he said.

Ithete said inclusive access to electricity must be a priority for both rural and urban communities. He called for stronger regional cooperation in harmonizing energy regulations, sharing resources, and building interconnected electricity markets.

"We must take action now to ensure energy for all and reduce our dependence on outside sources," he said.

The deputy prime minister urged regulators to return to their countries with clear action plans, realistic local electricity production targets, and policies that ensure affordability and sustainability.

The RERA is made up of energy regulatory authorities from the Southern African Development Community member states. The association aims to promote regional cooperation and integration in the electricity sector. Enditem

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