Namibia invests $2.3m to tackle rural internet gap, targets 90% connectivity by 2030
Namibia has committed about $2.3 million to expand telecommunications access in rural areas, as authorities seek to narrow a persistent digital divide and lift national internet penetration beyond 50%.
Black News 
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Namibia has committed about $2.3 million to expand telecommunications access in rural areas, as authorities seek to narrow a persistent digital divide and lift national internet penetration beyond 50%.
- Namibia has invested about $2.3 million to expand rural telecommunications infrastructure and narrow its persistent digital divide.
- The funding targets underserved regions, with new tower sites planned under Phase II of the Universal Service Fund.
- Officials say the project is designed to improve access to education, healthcare and digital economic opportunities.
- The initiative supports Namibia’s goal of achieving 90% internet penetration by 2030, as outlined in its national development plan.
The funding, equivalent to roughly N$42.1 million, has been allocated by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia under Phase II of the Universal Service Fund, a programme designed to extend connectivity to underserved regions where private investment has lagged.
Of the total, about $1.8 million will go to Mobile Telecommunications Company Namibia, while Telecom Namibia will receive roughly $540,000 to support network expansion across remote parts of the country, including Karas, Kavango West, Kunene, Ohangwena and Oshikoto.
Officials say the initiative aims to address structural gaps that have left rural communities with limited access to digital services, even as urban centres such as Windhoek enjoy relatively stable broadband coverage.
Telecom Namibia chief executive Stanley Shanapinda said the investment reflects a broader effort to integrate rural populations into the digital economy. “We are not just building towers. We are creating a digital lifeline for rural communities,” he said.
The rollout includes the construction of nine new Radio Access Network tower sites, alongside three additional sites to be deployed by Telecom Namibia. Around 39% of the project has already been completed, with more intensive construction expected to begin in the coming weeks.
The intervention aligns with Namibia’s Sixth National Development Plan, which targets internet penetration of 90% by 2030, a goal analysts say will require sustained public investment given the high cost of rural infrastructure.
CRAN chief executive Emilia Nghikembua described the programme as a response to market failure, where commercial incentives alone have been insufficient to ensure nationwide coverage.
“This intervention is aligned with NDP6 priorities to accelerate universal access to quality and affordable communication services, particularly for rural communities,” she said.
Beyond infrastructure, the programme is expected to extend connectivity to at least 15 public institutions, including schools and healthcare facilities. Limited network access has constrained the use of digital health systems, restricted e-learning opportunities and excluded small businesses from online markets in many rural areas.
A key component of the plan is up to 7 years of free connectivity for selected schools and clinics, aimed at ensuring that infrastructure investment translates into measurable social outcomes.
“Connectivity is not a privilege, but a key driver of inclusive development,” Nghikembua said.
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