IRENA Concludes Country-Level Capacity-Building Event in Windhoek, Namibia

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) concluded a country-level capacity-building event in Windhoek, Namibia, focused on strengthening national capacities in renewable energy project finance.

The three-day programme combined training with bilateral engagements, equipping participants with essential project finance skills while fostering direct dialogue between national and regional energy stakeholders.

Days 1 and 2: Capacity-Building Sessions 

The event opened with training sessions that introduced participants to various topics related to project finance with participants engaging in active discussions. Key areas covered included project proposal development, financial risk assessment, loan documentation, and contracting frameworks. Participants also engaged in hands-on whiteboard sessions covering balance sheets, income statements, financial ratios, and working capital finance, ensuring a grounding in both theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Day 3: Bilateral Stakeholder Engagements

The final day facilitated discussions between participants and key energy sector stakeholders, including the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy, local project developers, NamPower, and the SADC Centre for Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency (SACREEE). These sessions addressed challenges in the energy transition, including limited electricity access, strengthening energy security, grid expansion and the integration of new renewable energy installations into existing infrastructure. Discussions also covered grid stabilisation strategies, procurement processes, and commissioning procedures for new installations.