By:Nambian.com

Karibu Kwetu Solar has partnered with Women in Renewable Energy (Wire) to promote gender-inclusive leadership and accelerate access to clean energy in Namibia.

The collaboration aims at developing gender-inclusive leadership within Namibia’s energy sector and addressing the country’s long-standing energy challenges.

Wire is a global organisation that promotes women’s leadership and participation in the renewable energy industry.

The Africa South Chapter provides mentorship, education, and policy advocacy to support women along the entire clean energy value chain.

Karibu Kwetu Solar, which provides community-focused solar energy solutions, sees this collaboration as a critical step towards achieving a more gender-inclusive energy future.

“Our partnership with Wire confirms our commitment to a future where women are not just part of but also leaders in the clean energy transition,” says chief executive Aliela Muyembe.

“Access to energy is a root driver of development, and by having women at the table, we amplify the effect on households, communities, and the economy.”

According to the International Energy Agency’s report for 2024, Namibia continues to be heavily dependent on electricity imports – up to 70% from surrounding nations.

The expensive importation and inadequate rural infrastructure result in about 45% of the population lacking access to electricity.

Karibu Kwetu says it is tackling these issues head-on with off-grid solar technologies, battery storage systems, and wind energy systems that are specifically suited for remote and rural communities.

These systems not only promote environmental sustainability but also economic independence and educational advancement in underdeveloped areas, the company says.

Muyembe says this partnership is opportune since Namibia has made ambitious targets to localise 80% of its energy generation by 2028 and achieve 70% renewable energy penetration by 2030, as set out in Vision 2030 and the Harambee Prosperity Plans.

Robert Andreas, advocacy lead of the project, says energy transition must be inclusive if it is to be transformative.

“Through this initiative, we would like to amplify the voice of women in decision-making and place them at the forefront as beneficiaries and contributors of sustainable energy solutions,” he says.

In line with its broader ambitions, Karibu Kwetu will also launch the Sirimba Model Global Design Competition later this year, in collaboration with international design platform ArchStorming.

The project welcomes architects and visionaries from across the globe to contribute to the Sirimba Model – a cutting-edge, self-sustaining community ecosystem entirely fuelled by renewable energy.

Conceived by the Karibu Kwetu team, the Sirimba Model aims to be a replicable model for integrating clean energy infrastructure with inclusive education and community development.

“The Sirimba Model is not a project – it’s a testament to what’s possible at the nexus of clean energy, innovation, and community empowerment,” Muyembe says.