Staff Writer
RMB Namibia has provided Telecom Namibia with a N$405 million loan to support the company’s plan to upgrade its network and expand connectivity.
The seven-year loan will fund Telecom’s five-year strategy to improve infrastructure and increase access to internet and communication services across the country.
Telecom Namibia chief executive officer Stanley Shanapinda said the aim is to improve access to services.
“Telecom’s key objective is to ensure that every citizen can access and use entertainment, communication, information, education, commerce, and online health services through fast, reliable, and affordable internet, voice, and data connectivity. The strategy is closely aligned with Namibia’s national development plan, making this transaction a direct investment in the country’s socio-economic progress.”
Namibia’s ICT infrastructure remains below target, with 11 of 14 regions not meeting the 95% broadband coverage goal.
The country ranks 22 out of 47 in Sub-Saharan Africa and 169th globally for broadband speed, with an average download speed of 10.8 Mbps.
Telecom said the funding will support two main projects. These include a fibre-to-the-home rollout to deliver broadband speeds of 25 Mbps or more, and upgrades to mobile networks through new base stations that can support 4G and future 5G services.
The upgrades are aimed at improving coverage, increasing network capacity and supporting services in areas such as schools, hospitals and public institutions.
RMB Namibia transactor Leonard Hamunyela said the funding supports broader access to services.
“This partnership with Telecom is more than just financing infrastructure – it is about enabling digital inclusion. By supporting Telecom’s modernisation drive, RMB Namibia is not only financing infrastructure but also enabling broader social and economic inclusion. Enhanced broadband and mobile connectivity will empower Namibians with improved access to essential services while strengthening the country’s competitiveness in the digital economy.”
