ICT Sector Records Strong Gains in Connectivity and Digital Development
By TUW
Reflecting on last year’s performance, the Minister of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) said the sector recorded notable progress in connectivity, digital infrastructure and regulatory oversight during 2025, reflecting government’s growing focus on digital transformation and service delivery.
The Minister, Hon. Emma Theofelus, made these remarks during the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology’s Year Opening Staff Engagement held on Monday at the Windhoek Country Club Resort.
She highlighted the expansion of network infrastructure as one of the key achievements, citing the Universal Service Fund, which was capitalised with N$80 million over the past two years. Under Phase One of the programme, nine radio access network towers were constructed in rural areas across Kavango East, Kavango West, Oshikoto, Ohangwena and Kunene regions.
According to the Minister, schools and clinics within the coverage areas of these towers are receiving free internet access for seven years, improving access to essential services and supporting digital inclusion in remote communities.
Telecom Namibia also contributed to improved connectivity through the installation of approximately 80 mobile sites under its Mobile Services Network Rollout project. The initiative includes the construction of new sites and the modernisation of existing infrastructure, while the Fibre-to-Home rollout has reached the customer connection stage and is nearing completion.
On the regulatory front, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia conducted a nationwide Quality of Service audit to assess network speed, availability and user satisfaction. The Minister said licensees have since been engaged and required to submit remedial plans to improve service delivery.
She further noted the launch of 5G services by MTC in August 2025, describing it as aligned with the National 5G Strategy and an important step toward future-ready digital connectivity.
In terms of governance, Theofelus said progress is being made toward the enactment of critical ICT legislation. Stakeholder consultations on the Cybercrime Bill are scheduled to resume on 2 February 2026, while the Data Protection Bill has completed consultations and is ready for further legislative processing.
The Minister also pointed to innovation and youth development initiatives, including the National Mega Hackathon, which enabled young Namibians to develop digital solutions for government. She confirmed that the National ICT Summit will return in 2026 in a redesigned format, with the hackathon forming part of the programme.
However, she acknowledged challenges within the Ministry, particularly its 44 percent score in the 2025 Customer Service Charter Audit, describing the result as unacceptable. She said measures are being implemented to improve customer service standards ahead of the next audit.
The Minister called on staff and public enterprises under the Ministry to remain committed to improving service delivery, expanding connectivity and ensuring that the ICT sector continues to support national development.
