NamPower Launches Africa’s First Digital Substation

NamPower Launches Africa’s First Digital SSubstation. NamPower has inaugurated the Sekelduin Substation outside Swakopmund, marking the commissioning of Africa’s first fully digital substation. The facility is set to strengthen Namibia’s coastal power network, which supports much of the country’s economic backbone.

The Sekelduin Substation will serve as the main transmission supply point to the existing NamPower Swakopmund and Tamarisk substations, the NamWater South bulk water supply scheme feeding the new Husab Uranium Mine, and the ErongoRed 33kV medium voltage reticulation network.

Speaking at the inauguration, NamPower Managing Director Kahenge Haulofu said the substation will play a vital role in ensuring the electricity network remains capable of meeting both present and future demands. Built at a cost of N$394 million, the project represents a milestone for Namibia and Africa, as it was entirely designed and constructed by African professionals.

“Sekelduin Substation is proof that Africa can design and deliver world‑class digital grid infrastructure. Built by Africans for Africa, it’s a scalable blueprint for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning‑ready, cyber‑secure substations that future‑proof Namibia’s growth and set a new operational benchmark,” Haulofu said.

NamPower’s transmission system already comprises a robust network of high‑ and medium‑voltage overhead lines ranging from 66 kV to 400 kV, spanning 12,060 kilometres across Namibia. The new digital substation adds to this infrastructure, reinforcing the reliability and resilience of the national grid.

The inauguration was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, who commended NamPower for its achievement and highlighted the importance of investing in advanced infrastructure to support Namibia’s long‑term development.