Contributing to the budget allocation for the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy (MIME), members of the National Council (NC) called on the ministry to expand electrification in rural areas.

The vote has been allocated a budget of about N$826 million.

MPs stated that the distribution of electricity in rural areas will not only empower communities but also support farmers to enhance agricultural productivity.

"You cannot develop without power. Therefore, the distribution of power through the different regions of the country is an indication of future development."

"The villagers are still in the dark, and everybody wants to be in the light."

"The REDS must consider their rates. So everybody, even on the farms or settlements, can afford to have electricity."

"I would also like to appeal to the ministry to consider the kindergartens to be electrified also because that is the foundation of education."

"Wherever this ministry is putting power, the first through the locality and in most cases those localities are left out without being given a transformer."

"This ministry is on the ground connecting some schools but not the far remote area that tends to go deep."

"The Kavango region is geographically vast, and many communities remain under safety. Residents believe that the current service reach and infrastructure knowledge are insufficient to meet the growth demand for electricity."

Rural education has connected 62 schools across 8 regions up to date. Meaning we need to intensify and invest more."

Other MPs called on the ministry to fast-track industrialisation to boost economic growth and create more job opportunities for the youth, in order for local communities to benefit from the country's natural resources.

"I call on the ministry of industries, minds and energy to introduce and scale mechanisms that advance the beneficiation of our natural resources."

"The only way we can achieve industry is if we can make sure that the zinc that is exported, at least if we say a certain quota must be manufactured for the zinc and the corrugated irons locally, then we'll be able to create industry."

"As Namibians, we must move towards industrialisation and economic self-reliance."

Despite concerns raised, MPs approved the budget allocation for the 2026/2027 financial year.