Shaping a brighter future for Namibians with solar energy
Lighting the way
Through her work, marketing coordinator Ester Theofelus is proving that light is more than illumination; it is opportunity, safety and hope.
When Ester Theofelus speaks about her work, her passion is unmistakable. While she grew up in town, her family in the village did not have access to electricity.
This made it difficult for her to stay connected; charging phones and communicating with loved ones was often a challenge.
Those experiences left a lasting impression and now fuel her commitment to renewable energy.
Today, as marketing coordinator for Namene Solar Namibia, Theofelus has turned those early challenges into a driving force behind her career in clean energy.
“Joining Namene allowed me to combine my passion for community development with a career in renewable energy, bringing light and opportunity to those who need it most,” she explains.
Namene’s mission is simple yet powerful: to empower communities with clean, affordable and reliable solar energy solutions, improving lives while protecting the environment.
Better lives
For many Namibians living off-grid, alternatives such as candles and kerosene are costly, hazardous and harmful to both health and the environment. By replacing these with solar-powered lights and chargers, Namene is creating ripple effects that touch nearly every aspect of daily life.
Theofelus has witnessed these life-changing impacts up close.
She recalls one story from the Goreangab informal settlement, where a Grade 11 learner, Esra, shared how a Namene solar light allowed him to study safely at night while saving his family money. “Seeing his excitement and knowing that something as simple as a solar light could improve his learning and family life was truly moving,” she says.
For learners, solar lights mean extended study hours without risk. For families, they reduce fire hazards and cut costs. For small business owners and farmers, they extend working hours, boost income and provide opportunities that were once out of reach.
Stories with impact
At the heart of her work is storytelling, something Theofelus considers vital in bridging the gap between technology and human experience.
By collecting and amplifying the voices of communities, she ensures that the people who benefit most from solar technology remain at the centre of the conversation. “Marketing becomes a platform to highlight community experiences, successes and challenges,” she notes.
Her role goes beyond promotion; it’s about measuring real impact. That impact is evident not only in testimonials and community feedback but also in tangible changes to livelihoods. One of her most rewarding moments came after donating 100 solar lights to fire-affected families in Walvis Bay. “Witnessing their gratitude reminded me why this work matters,” she says.
Opening doors
Looking ahead, Theofelus believes access to clean, affordable energy will be a cornerstone of Namibia’s development. It holds the promise of reducing energy inequality, improving health and opening doors to education and entrepreneurship.
Yet, challenges remain, including misconceptions about solar technology and concerns over upfront costs. Overcoming these requires patience, trust-building and consistent demonstration of long-term benefits.
For young professionals eager to create change, her advice is clear: start small, stay consistent and listen to the communities you serve. “Change doesn’t happen overnight, but persistence makes a lasting difference,” she says.
In every village, school and household touched by Namene’s solar solutions, Theofelus is helping to shape a brighter future for Namibia.
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