The Erongo Regional Electricity Distributor, Erongo RED, has launched a mobile application that allows customers to buy electricity, pay their accounts, report faults, and access key services anytime.

A Namibian software designer developed the mobile application under an agreement with the MTC.

Erongo RED Chief Executive Officer Tino !Hanabeb said that although the initial budget to develop the app was N$5 million, only N$500,000 was spent, thanks to the company's partnership with MTC.

"We have an MOU in place. Once fully operational, the solution could generate savings of about N$6 million, depending on customer usage. If we make use of the service, it will reduce costs. The world around us is changing rapidly. As a country, we must continue to adapt and embrace emerging technologies to remain relevant at a low cost. We are committed to driving digital transformation to empower our customers and communities."

!Hanabeb further indicated that the app will soon allow customers who run out of units to buy electricity and pay later.

"We recognise that electricity is the greatest enabler – it's a tool that helps people improve their lives. But what if a teacher who gets paid on the 20th doesn't have the funds earlier in the month? We can provide electricity units in advance. That's the plan – to help people so they don't have to borrow money elsewhere just to buy electricity."

The app currently serves about 53,000 customers.

Nawa Likando is the Manager for Digital Transformation at MTC. He said, "At MTC, we believe that digital transformation isn't just about technology – it's about creating meaningful change. It's about connecting people, empowering businesses, and improving service delivery – and that's what Erongo Red has achieved with this app."

Erongo RED's CEO also announced that the electricity distributor is the first utility in Namibia to launch a mobile app.