From mobile payments to digital banking, Namibians are certainly in their connectivity and technology advancement era. Recently, both MTC and Paratus have announced the launch of e-SIM technology, promising a seamless, flexible and convenient experience for mobile users.
For those unfamiliar, an eSIM (embedded SIM) allows you to activate a mobile plan without a physical SIM card. It is quite the popular choice, especially for frequent travellers who do not have the luxury of time to buy a physical SIM card while in transit or who simply want to stay connected without constantly swapping SIMs.
While Namibia’s network coverage is improving, it remains limited in certain regions, particularly in rural and remote areas. According to the Namibian 2023 Population and Housing Census, only 28.5% of Namibians own smartphones, and staggeringly, close to 60% of Namibians in rural areas do not even own a phone. Moreover, not all smartphones currently in use support eSIMs, which means that for now the technology risks serving the needs of a few already connected minorities rather than addressing the broader need for digital inclusion.
For many young professionals in Windhoek or Swakopmund, e-SIMs might feel like a natural step forward. Yet for those living outside the main urban centres, where connectivity is patchy and data costs are still high, new technology can sometimes feel like it’s designed for some, not all.
Innovation is essential, and embracing new technology helps Namibia stay competitive, opens doors for businesses, and simplifies life for many. For example, Namibia’s budding tourism industry could benefit greatly from easier connectivity for tourists. Our ambitions to become logistical hubs leveraging off the entry points to countries such as Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Angola through the B8 and Trans-Kalahari highways could also get a boost from this seamless connectivity. However, it is also important to prioritise inclusion and not deepen a divide that already exists. It is imperative for technology to be used to bring people together, not leave them behind.
Mobile operators and policymakers have an important role to play. Launching e-SIMs should go hand in hand with efforts to improve network coverage, make data more affordable, and ensure that digital literacy programmes reach those who may not yet have access to smartphones or strong connections. Some areas worth prioritising include:
Improved network coverage
Extending reliable coverage to underserved areas ensures that rural communities are not left behind. Investment in infrastructure such as towers in remote villages or satellite-supported networks can help reduce disparities.
Affordable data and devices
Data costs in Namibia remain relatively high compared to average incomes, particularly in rural areas where many live below the poverty line. Creating subsidies, offering affordable device financing or partnering with international organisations could make smartphones and data more accessible.
Digital literacy programmes
Beyond access, people need the skills to navigate digital platforms. Programmes that train communities in mobile banking, e-learning and e-commerce can empower individuals to take full advantage of connectivity. For example, teaching rural women how to use mobile money services could boost financial inclusion dramatically.
Public-private partnerships
Collaboration between government, mobile operators, NGOs, and international partners can drive initiatives that prioritise inclusive digital transformation. Namibia has already seen success in areas like mobile banking through partnerships. A similar approach could accelerate digital literacy and infrastructure rollouts.
Namibia isn’t alone in trying to strike a balance between innovation and inclusion. Other African countries have walked this road, and their journeys offer valuable lessons. In Kenya, for instance, the rise of M-Pesa did not just change how people pay for things; it transformed everyday life. A farmer in a remote village could suddenly receive payments safely without relying on cash, and parents could send school fees with a simple click, avoiding long, costly trips. In Rwanda, the government took a bold approach by prioritising connectivity. Today, even schools tucked away in the hills and small-town clinics have reliable broadband, unlocking new opportunities for learning and healthcare.
Namibia can draw inspiration from these stories, but of course our path will look different and contextually relevant. We have our own unique geography, communities, and challenges. Already, we’re seeing sparks of progress from young entrepreneurs in Windhoek running their businesses entirely through mobile banking to rural cooperatives using digital platforms to sell crafts and farm produce beyond their regions.
These examples show that when technology is rolled out with inclusion in mind, it can be more than a convenience; it can become a lifeline. The key is to make sure that as we embrace innovations like e-SIMs, we design them in a way that makes sense for Namibia’s realities, so no one feels left out of the digital future.
The lesson is simple: technology is only as powerful as the people it reaches. E-SIMs have the potential to make life easier, more flexible, and more connected, but their true impact will only be felt if every Namibian, whether urban or rural, student or entrepreneur, can access and benefit from them. After all, progress is most meaningful when no one is left out.
