Swakopmund: Namibia has assumed the chairmanship of the African Forum for Utility Regulators (AFUR) after Electricity Control Board (ECB) Chief Executive Officer Robert Kahimise was elected chairperson. Kahimise's election took place at the conclusion of AFUR's 22nd Annual Conference and General Assembly held in Swakopmund.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Kahimise succeeds Cameroon's Dr Honor© Tapamo and was elected unopposed following a nomination by Lesotho. Burkina Faso was elected vice chairperson. AFUR unites utility regulators across Africa to enhance cooperation, knowledge sharing, and the development of efficient regulatory frameworks in the energy and water sectors. The forum also focuses on infrastructure development and regional integration.
In his acceptance speech, Kahimise described the appointment as both an honour and a responsibility. He emphasized the necessity for innovation and collaboration in advancing Africa's energy and water sectors. 'As we have debated over the past days, Artificial Intelligence is a game-changer. Data is the engine, and owning our data is crucial,' he stated, urging African regulators to utilize artificial intelligence tools to enhance service delivery, optimize resources, and strengthen regulatory frameworks.
Kahimise highlighted the potential for Africa to overcome development challenges by embracing digital technologies, noting that investment in AI literacy and infrastructure is crucial for unlocking inclusive growth. He also committed to strengthening partnerships between AFUR and the African Union in pursuit of Agenda 2063, while continuing the work of the outgoing chairperson. 'I intend to follow closely in the footsteps of Dr Tapamo, driving innovation, collaboration and best practices across the continent,' he mentioned.
Kahimise remarked that Namibia's election to the chairmanship reflects increasing recognition of the country's role in advancing regulatory excellence and sustainable utility management in Africa. The Swakopmund conference attracted delegates from across the continent and underscored the importance of digital transformation, particularly the adoption of artificial intelligence, in enhancing regulatory efficiency and service delivery.
The newly elected leadership is expected to prioritize these outcomes, with a focus on enhancing regional cooperation and fostering stronger partnerships among member states. AFUR's next annual conference is scheduled to take place in Liberia in 2027.