• CRAN upgraded internet speeds to 50 Mbps and donated eight computers to Gochas and Koës Libraries to bridge Namibia’s rural-urban digital divide.
• The initiative supports the government’s National Digital Strategy 2025–2029 and aligns with plans to increase the national minimum internet speed from 2 Mbps to 25 Mbps.
• Despite progress, 12% of Namibians remain without 4G access, underscoring the need for inclusive connectivity as Namibia advances its innovation and digital transformation goals.

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) recently upgraded internet speeds to 50 Mbps at the Gochas and Koës Libraries in the southern region and donated eight computers. The move, announced on October 9, aims to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural communities.

The donation aims to empower communities—particularly learners and young people—with the digital skills essential for education, innovation, and future employment. “By capacitating rural libraries with modern ICT resources, CRAN is expanding digital access in underserved areas and reinforcing its commitment to digital inclusivity,” the Authority stated.

In May 2025, the government announced plans to increase the national minimum internet speed from 2 Mbps to 25 Mbps for downloads and 3 Mbps for uploads, in line with the recommendations of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The move is expected to accelerate Namibia’s digital transformation and enhance service quality nationwide. Currently, Namibia ranks 147th globally for fixed broadband, with average download speeds of 15.51 Mbps and upload speeds of 11.56 Mbps, according to the August 2025 Ookla Speedtest Global Index—highlighting the gap between existing performance and national targets.

However, connectivity gaps remain. CRAN reports that as of February 2024, around 360,000 Namibians—roughly 12% of the population—still lack 4G coverage, while device affordability and compatibility continue to hinder the adoption of advanced technologies.

The intervention aligns with the government’s newly launched National Digital Strategy 2025–2029, unveiled in August, which seeks to harness technology for economic growth, social inclusion, and national progress. The plan calls for rapid expansion of digital infrastructure to ensure high-quality, reliable connectivity that supports both essential services and advanced applications.

Namibia’s push for digital inclusivity also reflects its growing capacity for innovation. The country ranked 9th in Africa and 91st globally in the Global Innovation Index 2025: Innovation at a Crossroads, which evaluated 139 countries across seven pillars, including human capital, infrastructure, and market sophistication.

Hikmatu Bilali