• Namibia inaugurated its first telecom tower financed by the Universal Service Fund (USF) to extend 4G coverage to underserved rural areas.
• The government committed N$145 million ($8.4 million) to the expanded USF programme to accelerate digital infrastructure rollout.
• The programme will add 9 new 4G towers, connect 4,765 additional residents, and provide 7 years of free 4G to 16 schools and 4 clinics.

Namibia took a significant step toward narrowing its digital divide as authorities inaugurated the first telecommunications tower financed under the country’s Universal Service Fund (USF).

The government unveiled the installation on 19 November in Epinga, a rural community in the Ohangwena region. The tower provides 4G voice and data services to communities that previously fell outside commercially viable coverage zones.

CRAN has officially commissioned the Universal Service Fund (USF) Tower in Epinga, Ohangwena Region. This milestone advances national efforts to expand digital inclusion and ensure underserved communities have access to essential communication services.

Hon. Emma Theofelus,… pic.twitter.com/yPO6bmmKqw

— CRAN (@CRANamibia) November 19, 2025

Authorities say the project strengthens connectivity across remote villages and key public institutions, including a primary school and a clinic. They add that improved access to 4G will support digital education, telemedicine and the growing use of online government services.

The telecom regulator said: “The government has committed 145 million Namibian dollars [about $8.4 million] to the expanded USF programme to accelerate digital infrastructure deployment nationwide.” It added: “Under this programme, nine additional 4G towers will connect 4,765 more Namibians, while 16 schools and four clinics will receive seven years of free 4G services.”

The initiative aligns with the ICT ministry’s broader goal of delivering universal access to basic connectivity in historically underserved regions. Authorities have already selected additional priority sites in the Kunene and Kavango regions where more USF towers could be built in the medium term.

This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum