Chamwe Kaira
The rollout of 5G technology is emerging as a key driver of Namibia’s ICT sector transformation, positioning the industry for faster growth, innovation and wider economic integration in 2026, according to the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran).
After a year of regulatory and technological progress, 5G is moving beyond faster mobile broadband to support new uses across transport and logistics, finance, trade, agriculture, health, education, mining and energy.
Cran says companies around the world are using 5G to improve efficiency, automation and security through private networks, a trend that is starting to take shape in Namibia.
The transport and logistics sector has led to early adoption. The Namibia Ports Authority and Terminal Investments Namibia (Pty) Ltd have obtained spectrum licences from Cran to deploy private 5G networks for port operations.
Cran expects more industries to follow in 2026 as businesses adopt private 5G networks designed for specific operational needs.
Competition in the mobile market is expected to increase as operators expand and launch 5G services. Cran chief executive officer Emilia Nghikembua said this would require continued investment in digital infrastructure as operators align with national broadband policy targets.
“Broadband services are expected to comply with a minimum download speed of 25 Mbps by October 2026, which will further embed 5G deployment into operators’ business strategies,” she said.
As operators shift to newer technologies, Cran expects the gradual phase-out of legacy 2G and 3G networks to begin in 2026. The move aims to cut the high cost of maintaining outdated infrastructure that no longer meets modern connectivity needs.
Cran and mobile operators will coordinate the transition to ensure service continuity, alongside a market ban on the importation of 2G and 3G devices.
Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology is also set to reshape Namibia’s connectivity landscape in 2026. In early January, Cran issued spectrum licences for OneWeb LEO satellite services to Echo Telecommunications, Oblixx Communications Networks, Rocketnet Internet Namibia and Blue Telecommunications.
The technology is expected to extend broadband-quality connectivity to offshore, remote and rural areas.
Nghikembua said LEO satellite services would help narrow Namibia’s digital divide and complement terrestrial mobile networks as direct-to-device capabilities develop.
Cran will closely track the growth of the satellite sector as it becomes part of national telecommunications and broadcasting infrastructure.
Other developments include the introduction of e-SIM technology by Paratus Telecommunications and Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC), which is expected to support the growth of Internet of Things applications across industries.
The entry of a third mobile operator, the launch of the Universal Service Fund and early signs of satellite integration also marked the sector’s progress in 2025.
Cran noted that service disruptions over the past year, including cyber incidents, undersea cable outages and international cloud service failures, have sharpened the focus on network resilience, service quality and data protection. As reliance on digital platforms grows, these factors are expected to influence customer choices.
Cran said it will roll out its 2026–2030 strategic plan to build a more agile regulatory framework that can respond to new technologies while supporting innovation and Namibia’s broader socio-economic development.
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Emilia Nghikembua
