Angola, Namibia sign landmark hydro agreement

WINDHOEK, November 19, 2024 – The Angolan and Namibian governments have signed an agreement to construct the Baynes Binational Hydropower Project during a ceremony in Windhoek on Monday.

Named the Baynes Implementation Agreement, it was signed by Angolan Minister of Energy and Water João Baptista Borges, and Namibian Minister of Mines and Energy Tom Alweendo.

The Baynes Binational Hydropower Project consists of an estimated 600-MW hydropower plant to be built on the Kunene River 48 kilometres downstream from Epupa Falls near the Angola-Namibia border.

Alweendo mentioned that the project had been under discussion between the two nations for decades, making the signing an especially historic occasion.

The project’s next milestone will be to secure funding and reach financial closure by the end of 2026.

The dam’s construction is expected to begin in 2027, with the project’s completion expected by 2031.

The project will contribute equally to both countries, providing clean energy while increasing access to electricity.

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