Namibia is emerging as a continental leader in digital transformation, with ambitious plans to boost internet speeds, expand data infrastructure, and bridge the digital divide, according to a keynote address by Dr. Audrin Mathe, Executive Director of Namibia’s Ministry of Information and Communication Technology. Speaking at the African Data Summit in Nairobi this week, Dr. Mathe outlined Namibia’s strategic vision to capitalize on the digital economy’s potential while addressing systemic barriers holding back Africa’s technological progress.
The address came against a sobering continental backdrop: Africa represents 18% of the world’s population but holds less than 1% of global data center capacity. While internet usage in Sub-Saharan Africa grew by 115% between 2016 and 2021, only 22% of the population currently uses mobile internet services despite widespread network coverage. Dr. Mathe emphasized that Namibia is tackling these challenges head-on through its National Digital Strategy Plan 2025, which aims to transform the country into a digitally enabled society.
A centerpiece of Namibia’s strategy is its groundbreaking implementation of the UN Development Programme’s Model Governance Framework for Digital Legal Identity – making it the first African nation to roll out secure, verifiable digital IDs. This system is already revolutionizing access to government services and financial inclusion. “Digital infrastructure is about human dignity, economic opportunity and social inclusion,” Dr. Mathe told summit delegates, highlighting how the initiative aligns with Namibia’s broader economic development goals.
The country is making significant infrastructure investments to support its digital ambitions. Internet speeds are set to triple from current levels to 25 megabytes per second by 2026, while Namibia’s data center market is projected to grow at 4.8% annually through 2030. These developments position Namibia to become a regional hub for data processing and cloud computing – sectors with enormous potential for job creation and foreign investment.
Dr. Mathe stressed the economic imperative behind digital expansion, citing research showing internet access can reduce extreme poverty by 7% and increase labor force participation by 8%. With Africa’s digital transformation market projected to double from $2.67 billion in 2024 to $5.76 billion by 2029, Namibia aims to secure its share of this growth through strategic investments in connectivity, capacity and capability.
However, significant barriers remain. The cost of mobile data in Africa averages 10.5% of monthly income – five times the UN’s affordability target – while smartphones remain prohibitively expensive for many. These challenges disproportionately affect women, who are 37% less likely than men to use mobile internet. Namibia is addressing these gaps through targeted policies to improve affordability and digital literacy, particularly for marginalized groups.
The human capital challenge looms equally large. UNESCO estimates Africa needs 23 million additional STEM graduates to meet digital transformation demands. Namibia is responding through education reforms and workforce development programs designed to cultivate homegrown tech talent. “We’re not just building infrastructure – we’re building Namibia’s digital workforce of the future,” Dr. Mathe emphasized.
Regional cooperation formed a central theme of the address. Dr. Mathe called for harmonized regulations, coordinated infrastructure investments, and knowledge sharing across African nations. He highlighted Namibia’s willingness to share lessons from its digital identity and e-government initiatives while learning from neighbors’ innovations in mobile money and fintech.
The financial scale of Africa’s digital transformation presents both challenge and opportunity. While the World Bank has committed $9 billion to digital projects across 37 African countries since 2019, Dr. Mathe stressed the need for innovative financing models that attract private investment. Success stories from across the continent – including Niger’s 71% reduction in data costs and Benin’s dramatic affordability improvements – demonstrate what’s possible with the right policies.
Looking ahead, Namibia is positioning itself at the forefront of emerging technologies. Plans are underway to leverage 5G networks for agriculture and healthcare applications, explore blockchain solutions for supply chain transparency, and harness artificial intelligence for everything from crop monitoring to disease prevention. The country’s cloud computing infrastructure development aims to give businesses access to sophisticated tools without massive upfront costs.
Dr. Mathe’s address concluded with a call to action for accelerated progress toward concrete targets: universal 4G coverage by 2027, 80% broadband access by 2030, and regulatory environments that balance innovation with consumer protection. “The time for incremental change has passed,” he declared. “The moment for transformational action has arrived.”
For Namibia, this digital push represents more than technological upgrade – it’s a fundamental reimagining of economic potential. As global markets increasingly value digital readiness, Namibia’s investments today could yield tomorrow’s dividends in job creation, business innovation, and improved public services. The country’s proactive stance at the African Data Summit signals its ambition to be not just a participant in Africa’s digital revolution, but a leader shaping the continent’s technological future.
With its combination of strategic vision, early-mover advantage in digital ID, and commitment to inclusive growth, Namibia is writing a new chapter in its economic story – one where connectivity becomes the foundation for prosperity in the 21st century. As Dr. Mathe reminded delegates: “The future is digital, and the future is African.” For Namibia, that future is now being built.