Water security plan shifts towards innovation and new financing

Staff Reporter

FACING growing pressure from drought conditions, climate uncertainty and limited freshwater resources, Namibia is accelerating efforts to strengthen long-term water security through alternative water sources, climate-resilient infrastructure and innovative financing models.

Acting Deputy Executive Director for Water Resource Management, Maria Amakali, speaking at the 2026 Africa Public Service Day highlighted that Namibia’s reliance on traditional surface water sources, such as dams, is becoming increasingly unsustainable due to high evaporation rates, unpredictable rainfall patterns and growing demand. The country is therefore shifting towards solutions including desalination, water reclamation, groundwater management and renewable energy-powered water systems.

In response to the severe drought experienced in 2016, the late President Hage Geingob established the Cabinet Committee on Water Supply Security to address Namibia’s growing water challenges.