WINDHOEK, March 24 — Namibia on Monday called for practical, technology-driven reforms in Africa’s utility sectors to tackle energy poverty and improve access to essential services. Speaking at the opening of the 22nd Annual Conference and General Assembly of the African Forum for Utility Regulators (AFUR) in Swakopmund, Namibian Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse said emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, smart grids and digital platforms, are already reshaping service delivery across key sectors. As Africa undergoes rapid technological transformation, regulators must ensure innovation does not deepen inequality, but instead boosts resilience and expands access to services in energy, water, communications and transport, Amutse said. He noted that millions of people across the continent still face energy poverty, water insecurity and limited digital access, highlighting the need for practical and implementable regulatory solutions. He urged conference participants to come up with actionable strategies for integrating emerging technologies into utility regulation, strengthening cybersecurity and data protection frameworks, and promoting inclusive access to essential services through digital transformation. Held under the theme “Innovative Technologies for Inclusive and Resilient Utility Regulation,” the conference aims to strengthen collaboration among regulators across the continent through knowledge sharing and peer learning, in line with AFUR’s goal of promoting harmonized and forward-looking regulatory frameworks.
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