Allexer Namundjembo
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) plans to finalise the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) report by August.
The report would incorporate feedback from a validation workshop held in Windhoek last week.
The workshop brought together mobile operators, service providers, policymakers, and the media to discuss improving Namibia’s telecommunications infrastructure sharing framework.
The RIA, supported by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), forms part of the country’s broader strategy to advance inclusive digital development.
It draws on global examples from Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, and Mauritius and recommends reducing infrastructure duplication, boosting competition, and expanding access to affordable broadband.
Emilia Nghikembua, Cran’s chief executive officer, said the authority will use the findings and feedback to decide whether to revise the current framework or introduce new regulatory tools.
If changes are adopted, further stakeholder engagement will follow.
Nghikembua said that while current laws support passive infrastructure sharing, such as towers, ducts, and poles, there are persistent challenges in enforcing active sharing and regulatory compliance.
“Sections 48 and 50 of the Communications Act mandate passive sharing, and dominant operators are required to engage in active sharing. But enforcement has been difficult, with some disputes before the High Court and the Namibian Competition Commission. We need to strengthen our framework to ensure that the law delivers results,” she said.
She stressed that infrastructure sharing is key to economic growth, adding that it allows operators to reach underserved areas, reduce costs, and deliver affordable services to consumers.
She said the regulatory environment is generally seen as enabling but lacks the flexibility to adapt to market developments.
“There is a strong need to introduce soft law instruments like codes of practice and regulatory guidelines. These tools will provide the flexibility for operators to adopt business models that suit their realities while ensuring compliance and transparency,” she said.
Nghikembua called for better oversight, clear pricing rules, and more transparency in publishing available capacity.
“We must foster good-faith negotiations and fair treatment of all market players. Strengthened oversight will help avoid delays and disputes and create a more sustainable and equitable industry,” she said.
The 2025 workshop builds on previous efforts. In 2019, Cran launched a similar consultation process after smaller operators raised concerns about dominant players blocking infrastructure access.
That process led to revised regulations in 2020 clarifying rules around passive sharing. However, active sharing issues remain unresolved.
“Ultimately, these reforms are about giving our citizens access to better services and giving our industry room to innovate and grow,” Nghikembua said.
