Namibia: Lessons from Commercialization

Abstract

Namibia is one of the few countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where there is no World Bank or IMF involvement in the water and electricity sectors. However, while wholesale privatization of the utilities is not on the cards, recent reforms are along similar lines to those in other countries in the region with the removal of subsidies and shift to full cost recovery. Changes in the electricity sector echo those of other governments with plans to develop a ‘single-buyer’ model and the ultimate aim of creating a competitive wholesale market.