By Stefanus Nashama

Erongo Regional Electricity Distributor (Erongo RED), officially celebrated its 20th anniversary on 1 July 2025, a significant milestone in powering communities and driving development across the region.
The distributor has grown from modest beginnings into a billion-dollar enterprise, with its chief executive officer, Immanuel !Hanabeb, revealing that the company now generates over N$1.6 billion in annual revenue, up from just over N$180 million in its early years.  
 

Speaking during the anniversary celebration last week, !Hanabeb expressed confidence that Erongo RED will surpass the N$2 billion revenue mark in the coming years. 
“Our customer base has grown by 72 percent, from just over 27,000 customers at inception, to more than 47,000 transacting customers today. Our electrification rate in the Erongo region now stands at 74 percent, compared to the national average of 51 percent. 
 

This is the result of hard work and strategic investment,” !Hanabeb stated. 
Established two decades ago, Erongo RED began with a team of 103 employees and now boasts a workforce of more than 310 professionals. 
 

According to !Hanabeb, the company has invested over N$700 million into infrastructure development, including bulk upgrades, electrification and modernization of its network. 
 

“All these milestones reflect our ongoing commitment to reliable and sustainable service delivery,” he stressed. 
“Electricity breathes life across our region. In Walvis Bay, it drives industry and fishing. In Swakopmund, it lights up tourism. 
From the vineyards of Omaruru to the mines of Usakos and Arandis, electricity empowers our people and their dreams.” 
!Hanabeb emphasized that Erongo RED’s drive has never been about profits, but about the sustainable distribution of electricity. 
He also highlighted that, to date, no town or village in the region has been disconnected due to non-payment to NamPower. 
“This proves that the regional electricity distribution model was one of the best decisions ever made. 
It has brought agility and sustainability to the sector.” 
 

Also speaking at the event, Erongo regional governor Nathalia /Goagoses commended Erongo RED’s performance and called for greater collaboration among stakeholders. 
 

“My call is simple. Let us deepen regional coordination, align our plans and leverage each other’s strengths. Erongo RED is not just a utility, it is a catalyst for regional development,” /Goagoses said.
She praised the strategic leadership of the board and executive management, noting the company’s financial discipline and alignment with national development goals. 
“Effective leadership is the cornerstone of institutional success and Erongo RED benefited from a team that understands both its mandate and its impact,” she added. 
 

/Goagoses urged stakeholders to focus on innovation, sustainability and inclusive development. 
The governor added: “The road ahead must be travelled with unity and purpose. We cannot afford to work in silos. Our region's success depends on partnerships across local authorities, state institutions, service providers and community leaders.”
Swakopmund Mayor Blasius Goraseb indicated that as a shareholder in Erongo RED, the town has benefitted and continues to benefit from the value generated by our company. This he added, includes, but is not limited to, electrification projects, surcharges and declared dividends.
 

“Our partnership have ensured that our town continues to grow as a vibrant, well lit and welcoming community and one that attracts investment, supports local enterprise, and improves the lives of all who call it home,” said Goraseb.
“Your continued commitment to expanding access to electricity, maintaining high service standards, and supporting community-based initiatives is not only commendable but deeply appreciated. 
Your work has made a real and lasting impact from our informal settlements to our schools and businesses and for that, we say thank you,” he added.
 

The 20th celebrations continued with a vibrant schools’ soccer tournament over the weekend of 26–27 July 2025 at the Swakopmund Football Club. 
 

Eighteen schools from across the Erongo Region participated. The tournament concluded with Kuisebmund Secondary School (KSS) clinching the title after defeating SI Gobs Secondary School, 2–1 in the final.