Namibia aims to provide internet access to 90% of the population by 2030.

Written by: Ayman Ragab

Namibia has allocated approximately $2.3 million to expand the scope Telecommunications services In rural areas, as part of the authorities' efforts to reduce the persistent digital divide and raise the national internet penetration rate to more than 50%.

The Namibia Communications Regulatory Authority has allocated funding of approximately Namibian dollars 42.1 million under the second phase of the Universal Service Fund, a program aimed at expanding connectivity in disadvantaged areas that have lagged behind in private investment.

Internet access in Namibian villages

Of this amount, approximately $1.8 million will be allocated to the mobile telecommunications company in Namibia, while the telecommunications company in Namibia will receive approximately $540,000 to support network expansion in remote areas of the country, including Karas, Western Kavango, Kunene, Uhangwenya, and Ushikoto.

Officials say the initiative aims to address structural gaps that have resulted in limited access to digital services for rural communities, while urban centers like Windhoek enjoy relatively stable broadband internet coverage.

Stanley Shanabenda, CEO of the Namibian telecommunications company, said the investment reflects a broader effort to integrate rural populations into the digital economy.

He added: “We are not just building towers, but creating a digital lifeline for rural communities.”.

Namibia's Sixth National Development Plan

The project includes Create nine New sites for wireless access network towers have been established, along with three additional sites to be deployed by the Namibian telecommunications company. Approximately 391 TPDs of the project have been completed, and intensive construction work is expected to begin in the coming weeks.

This intervention is in line with Namibia’s Sixth National Development Plan, which aims to reach 90% of internet users by 2030, a goal that analysts believe will require sustained public investment given the high cost of rural infrastructure.

Emilia Ngekembwa, CEO of the Namibia Wireless Access Network (CRAN), described the program as a response to market shortcomings, where commercial incentives alone were not enough to guarantee nationwide coverage.

She said: “This intervention is in line with the priorities of the Sixth National Development Plan to accelerate universal access to high-quality and affordable telecommunications services, particularly for rural communities.”.

Digital health systems

In addition to infrastructure, the program is expected to expand connectivity to include at least 15 public institutions, including schools and health facilities.

Limited access to the network has restricted the use of digital health systems, limited e-learning opportunities, and deprived small businesses of access to online marketplaces in many rural areas.

Providing free connectivity for up to seven years to selected schools and clinics is a key component of the plan, with the aim of ensuring that infrastructure investments translate into tangible social outcomes.

Ngikimboa said: “Connectivity is not a privilege, but a key driver of comprehensive development.”.