The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) hosted a high-level workshop on the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) of Namibia’s telecommunications infrastructure sharing framework on 16 July 2025 in Windhoek. The event brought together key stakeholders, industry leaders, and members of the media to discuss the findings and recommendations of the RIA report.
CRAN’s Chief Executive Officer, Emilia Nghikembua, highlighted the importance of infrastructure sharing in promoting economic growth, expanding coverage, and reducing operational costs. She noted that while Namibia’s regulatory framework already encourages passive infrastructure sharing such as towers and ducts, challenges persist, particularly regarding active sharing and compliance with existing regulations.
The RIA, commissioned by CRAN with support from the International Telecommunication Union, provides an in-depth evaluation of the current framework’s effectiveness. It identifies implementation challenges and draws lessons from peer countries, including Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, and Mauritius. These benchmarks showcase international best practices and inform recommendations for refining Namibia’s approach.
Sections 48 and 50 of the Communications Act and its Regulations establish a mandatory sharing regime, requiring all carriers, broadcasters, and utilities to engage in passive infrastructure sharing upon request. Additionally, dominant operators are obligated to participate in active infrastructure sharing. Despite these provisions, significant implementation challenges remain. Disputes over enforcement have led to ongoing legal proceedings before the High Court and the Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC).
Nghikembua further noted that stakeholders generally view the current Regulations as enabling, but with room for improvement. Specifically, enhancements should focus on introducing greater flexibility through soft law instruments, allowing operators to adopt business models that suit their needs while ensuring clear regulatory expectations. Strengthened oversight is necessary to enforce good-faith negotiations, improve dispute resolution, and enhance transparency particularly in publishing available capacity. Clearer pricing guidance and fair treatment of all market players will support sustainable and equitable access. Ultimately, these improvements aim to foster cooperation, reduce investment duplication, and improve affordable broadband access for consumers.
The RIA recommends strengthening enforcement mechanisms, improving transparency, and adopting soft law tools such as codes of practice and guidelines. These tools will enable operators to implement tailored business models while promoting cooperation and regulatory compliance without disrupting the market.
“As CRAN considers further regulatory enhancements, continued stakeholder engagement will be key,” she concluded.
The workshop formed part of CRAN’s broader efforts to ensure a dynamic, inclusive, and forward-looking telecommunications sector that supports national development goals. Feedback collected during the workshop will be integrated into the final report, which will be submitted to CRAN in August.
CRAN will then decide whether to proceed with one or more of the proposed regulatory options. Should CRAN opt to revise the framework or introduce new codes, standards, or guidelines, additional stakeholder engagement will be conducted as part of the rule-making process.