The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology says Namibia has completed a review of the National Broadband Policy, with updated targets set to take effect from October 2026, a move expected to deliver faster internet speeds and improve downloads, online gaming, business transactions and access to digital services across the country.
Speaking at a High-Level ICT Stakeholders’ Engagement, Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus said ICT remains a key driver of economic growth and modernisation.
She said the revised broadband targets are expected to benefit young people in particular, who make up the largest share of internet users, by expanding opportunities to connect, trade and promote products and services online. Improved speeds are also expected to support the growth of Namibia’s creative and digital industries, including content creation and e-commerce.
“The review of the National Broadband Policy has been finalised and new broadband targets will be implemented from October 2026. This will lead to faster internet speeds for downloads, gaming and business transactions,” Theofelus said.
At the same event, the minister officially launched two policy documents, the 2025–2030 MICT Strategic Plan and the National ICT Policy. The documents, developed internally through research and stakeholder engagement, are intended to guide the country’s ICT development and improve the availability, accessibility and affordability of digital services.
The Strategic Plan has already been incorporated into the ministry’s 2025–2026 annual plan and staff performance agreements.
“The ministry’s management and staff worked hard to develop our five-year Strategic Plan for 2025 to 2030, which sets out our strategic intent in support of national development priorities. I am proud that this work was done in-house, without the use of consultants, through a rigorous research and consultation process,” she said.
To support the broadband rollout, government has begun constructing network towers across the country under a three-year programme. In the Kunene region, two towers at Ehomba and Ongongo are already operational, providing free internet connectivity to clinics and schools for the next seven years.
A second phase will see two additional towers built in the region, aimed at further reducing the digital divide. These efforts are aligned with Namibia’s 5G Strategy, approved in 2024, which seeks to improve connectivity and support machine-to-machine communication across sectors.
Theofelus also said the ministry is working to strengthen local media and community engagement. A Community Media Policy is being developed to support rural and marginalised communities, while Government Information Centres will remain a permanent service to allow local leaders to communicate directly with the public.
She added that efforts are under way to revive community media platforms, including Kunene Community Radio, which previously closed due to operational challenges.
“The Government Information Centres were introduced during the Covid-19 period. After seeing their value in providing timely and credible information, Cabinet approved that they become a permanent part of the ministry’s services,” she said.
