Namibia is channeling N$898 million into a sweeping digital transformation aimed at narrowing the stark urban-rural divide in internet access, a move poised to unlock economic opportunities for underserved communities. The budget, outlined by Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus, targets critical infrastructure gaps, cybersecurity, and media modernization to propel the nation toward inclusive growth.
Central to the strategy is a N$40 million investment in Radio Access Network (RAN) sites across 15 locations, prioritizing 22 schools and 2 clinics in regions like Ohangwena, Kavango East, and Kunene. These sites will deliver mobile broadband and public Wi-Fi to areas where connectivity is sparse or nonexistent, addressing Namibia’s 62.2% internet penetration rate—a figure skewed by urban dominance.
The plan also includes upgrading national broadband speeds from 2Mbps to 25Mbps, a leap expected to enhance productivity for enterprises and government services. Simultaneously, the Electronic Transactions Act will be fully operationalized, introducing e-signatures to streamline bureaucratic processes and reduce reliance on paper-based systems—a boon for businesses navigating red tape.
Cybersecurity forms another pillar, with the National Cybersecurity Strategy and a forthcoming Cybercrime Bill aiming to safeguard digital transactions. A National Data Center is in preliminary stages, signaling efforts to position Namibia as a secure hub for data storage amid rising global cyber threats. These measures are critical as internet usage climbs, with 23.6% of Namibians now relying on it for news, surpassing traditional media.
The budget further allocates N$361 million to the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) to launch dedicated parliamentary and educational TV channels, expanding access to civic information in remote areas. Meanwhile, consolidation of state media entities NAMPA and New Era Publication Corporation seeks to optimize resources, though critics warn of potential impacts on media diversity.