The Namibian government has set out ambitious plans to rapidly improve connectivity services as part of its strategy to stimulate economic growth.
According to Ecofin Agency, the government aims to increase minimum internet speeds to 25Mbps download and 3Mbps upload – benchmarks recommended by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to support the region’s digital transformation goals.
To reach these targets, Namibia is moving away from legacy technologies such as 2G, 3G and WiMAX, and is instead prioritising the deployment of 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi 6, fibre-optic networks and satellite services.
Discussions with stakeholders are currently ongoing, with deployment plans yet to be finalised. The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia reported in February 2024 that approximately 360,000 people – around 12% of the population – remain outside 4G coverage areas. Additionally, 5G services are not yet commercially viable in the country.
Audrin Mathe, Executive Director of the Ministry of ICT, said: “In this rapidly evolving digital landscape, reliable and high-speed internet connectivity is no longer a luxury. It has become the essential foundation for information and entertainment, education, healthcare, innovation, commerce, governance, and virtually every aspect of modern life.”
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