• Govt plans to raise minimum internet speeds to 25 Mbps down / 3 Mbps up

• Initiative supports economic growth, healthcare, education, and inclusion

• 4G, 5G, fiber and satellite tech to be used; 5G not yet launched in country

The Namibian authorities are seeking to enhance connectivity as part of their digital transformation plan. In March, they had already initiated a fund aimed at expanding telecom coverage throughout the country.

Namibia is looking to increase the minimum internet speed, currently at 2 megabits per second (Mbps), to 25 Mbps for downloads and 3 Mbps for uploads. This move, recommended by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), could help support the country’s digital transformation.

“In this rapidly evolving digital landscape, reliable and high-speed internet connectivity is no longer a luxury, it has become the essential foundation of information and entertainment, education, healthcare, innovation, commerce, governance and virtually every aspect of modern life,” said Audrin Mathe, Executive Director of the Ministry of ICT. He spoke during a meeting of industry stakeholders on May 21 to discuss implementation of the directive.

To achieve the targeted speeds, the Namibian government is relying on technologies such as 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi 6, optical fiber, and satellite. Mr. Mathe stated that older technologies like 2G, 3G, and WiMAX present technical and geographic limitations.

This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to using digital tools to stimulate economic growth, foster inclusion, and accelerate national development. High-speed internet is especially vital for connected health services, as well as for domestic applications like smart homes, streaming, and online gaming, all dependent on reliable infrastructure.

However, stakeholder discussions are still in early stages, and no implementation timeline has been set. Current broadband coverage is limited. According to the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), as of February 2024, around 360,000 Namibians, roughly 12% of the population, remained outside 4G coverage. 5G is not yet commercially available in the country.

Device compatibility remains a barrier to the adoption of advanced technologies. Although the government has shown interest in satellite solutions, no concrete partnerships have been announced. Starlink, a leading satellite internet provider in Africa, plans to launch services in Namibia this year, pending regulatory approval. As of now, the service is still prohibited. Across the continent, high costs for equipment and monthly subscriptions continue to hinder adoption.