Namibia engages ICT stakeholders to accelerate telecom infrastructure rollout
Date: 2026-04-08
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
Namibia’s
Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, and
Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, have held
consultations with ICT stakeholders to address bottlenecks affecting the
rollout of telecommunications infrastructure across the country.
The
meeting, which also included deputy ministers from the ICT and Environment,
Forestry and Tourism portfolios, focused on identifying solutions to accelerate
deployment of telecom towers and related infrastructure. Stakeholders
highlighted lengthy approval processes as a major challenge, particularly in
urban areas, on private land, and in cases involving multiple regulatory
institutions.
Industry
players also raised concerns over the high cost of land rentals and
inconsistent pricing structures, noting that these factors slow infrastructure
expansion and impact service delivery. They called for a more standardized and
affordable pricing framework, especially for infrastructure that supports
public communication services.
Discussions
further emphasized the need to streamline environmental and regulatory
clearances to eliminate duplication and reduce delays. Participants underscored
the importance of treating telecommunications infrastructure as a national
development priority, given its role in enhancing connectivity, expanding
digital access, and supporting economic growth.
