Namibia’s information and communications technology (ICT) sector is entering a decisive phase in 2026, driven by structural changes that are reshaping connectivity, competition and digital service delivery across the economy, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has said.
CRAN chief executive officer Emilia Nghikembua said developments recorded in 2025 had fundamentally altered the trajectory of the sector.
She said the entry of a third mobile operator, the adoption of eSIM technology, the launch of the Universal Service Fund, the introduction of 5G, and the imminent rollout of low Earth orbit satellite services marked a shift from incremental change to system-wide transformation.
“These milestones demonstrate that the ICT sector is no longer just a support service, but a strategic enabler of digital transformation and inclusive economic development,” Nghikembua said.
She said 5G represents more than faster mobile broadband and is expected to unlock new use cases across sectors such as transport, logistics, finance, agriculture, health, education, mining and energy. Globally, she noted, enterprises are already deploying private 5G networks to improve automation, efficiency and security.
In Namibia, early adoption by the Namibia Ports Authority and Terminal Investments Namibia, through the acquisition of spectrum licences for private 5G networks, signals how industrial users are beginning to integrate advanced connectivity into core operations.
“The move by port and logistics operators to deploy private 5G networks shows how this technology is becoming embedded in critical infrastructure and operational strategy,” Nghikembua said.
She said competition in the ICT sector is expected to intensify in 2026 as mobile operators expand 5G coverage and continue investing in digital infrastructure. This, she added, is being reinforced by policy directives requiring broadband services to meet minimum download speeds of 25 Mbps by October 2026.
Nghikembua said the rising cost of maintaining outdated infrastructure is likely to accelerate the gradual phase-out of 2G and 3G networks, with operators transitioning to 4G and 5G technologies in coordination with the regulator.
“The transition away from legacy technologies is unavoidable and necessary to meet modern service standards, and it will be managed carefully to ensure continuity of service,” she said.
She identified low Earth orbit satellite technology as a major disruptor in 2026 and confirmed that CRAN issued spectrum licences in early January to four operators to deploy OneWeb satellite services capable of delivering broadband-quality connectivity.
Nghikembua said LEO satellites are particularly suited to offshore, remote and rural areas and will play a central role in closing Namibia’s digital inclusion gap. She added that future direct-to-device capabilities are expected to further integrate satellite and mobile networks.
“Satellite technology will become an integral part of Namibia’s digital network infrastructure, supporting both telecommunications and broadcasting going forward,” she said.
She also pointed to the introduction of eSIMs by Paratus Telecommunications and Mobile Telecommunications Limited, saying the development opens the door for expanded Internet of Things applications that could drive innovation across multiple sectors.
Reflecting on 2025, Nghikembua said service disruptions linked to cyber incidents, undersea cable failures and network outages underscored the growing importance of resilience, information security and service quality as reliance on digital platforms increases.
“In 2026, customer choice will increasingly depend on uninterrupted service delivery, data protection and network resilience,” she said.
She added that the anticipated finalisation of the Data Protection Bill is expected to accelerate investment in local cloud platforms, higher-tier data centres and advanced 5G core networks, enabling edge computing and improved regulatory compliance through local data storage and processing.
Nghikembua said the broadcasting and postal sectors are also likely to be reshaped as digital trade expands and technology convergence accelerates, forcing service providers to adapt their business models around 5G and satellite-enabled distribution.
“As regulator, CRAN will focus on building an agile regulatory framework under our 2026–2030 strategic plan to support innovation while ensuring that technological change delivers real socio-economic benefits,” she said.
