Namibia and Angola have taken a significant step toward linking their electricity networks, signing key agreements to advance a cross-border transmission project aimed at strengthening energy security in southern Africa.
State utility NamPower and Angola’s grid operator RNT-EP signed two accords in Luanda on April 14, establishing the legal, technical and commercial framework for the Angola-Namibia interconnection project, known as ANNA.
The agreements include a joint development protocol and a power purchase arrangement, laying the groundwork for electricity trade between the two countries.
Building a regional power corridor
At the core of the project is a 166-kilometre, 400-kilovolt transmission line linking the Kunene substation in Namibia to Cahama in Angola, with around 30 kilometres of the line located on the Namibian side.
The development also includes transformer installations at Kunene and a further 270-kilometre transmission line connecting Omatando in Angola to Otjikoto in Namibia.
The total investment is estimated at 941 million Namibian dollars (about US$57.5 million). Namibia plans to fund its portion through its National Energy Fund, while financing arrangements on the Angolan side are yet to be disclosed.
Strengthening energy security
The interconnection is expected to play a crucial role in securing Namibia’s electricity supply by improving access to regional power sources.
Namibia has long relied on electricity imports to meet domestic demand, making supply diversification a strategic priority.
By linking the two grids, the project will enable more efficient sharing of energy resources and reduce vulnerability to supply disruptions.
NamPower chief executive Kahenge Haulofu said the initiative would help optimise power flows and support the evolving needs of the region.
Regional integration gains momentum
Beyond bilateral benefits, the project is a key step toward deeper regional integration.
The new infrastructure will connect Angola’s grid to the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), one of Africa’s most advanced cross-border electricity trading systems.
This will allow Angola to participate more fully in regional power markets, while enabling Namibia to tap into a broader pool of electricity supply.
The project is scheduled for completion by 2029, reflecting growing momentum behind cross-border energy infrastructure across the continent.
Supporting Africa’s energy transition
The Angola-Namibia interconnection is part of a wider push to strengthen regional power networks in Africa, as countries seek to improve reliability, reduce costs and integrate renewable energy sources.
Regional power pools such as SAPP are seen as critical to balancing supply and demand across borders, particularly as countries invest in variable renewable energy like solar and wind.
For both Namibia and Angola, the project represents a strategic investment in energy security and economic development, while reinforcing broader efforts to build a more interconnected and resilient African power system.
