Namibia amplifies role in regional ICT agenda
Spectrum dialogue, cybersecurity benchmarking and ATU engagement
The 10th Sub-Saharan Spectrum Conference, hosted by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) in partnership with the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), took place on 11 and 12 August 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, with compelling discussions on how innovative spectrum policies can foster digital inclusion across Africa.The conference, attended by industry leaders, regulators and stakeholders from across the continent, underscored the critical role of spectrum management in bridging the continent’s digital divide.
The event featured discussions from distinguished panellists, including Emilia Nghikembua, chief executive at the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), who shared insights into Namibia’s strides toward expanding connectivity and deploying innovative spectrum policies. In her remarks, she emphasised that despite progress, significant gaps remain, particularly in rural and low-income communities, where coverage and service quality are often limited.
“While mobile broadband coverage in Namibia has reached approximately 91% of the population, rural areas still lag,” she noted. “Addressing this gap requires targeted spectrum strategies that enable affordable, reliable, and widespread connectivity. Spectrum is the lifeblood of wireless services, and unlocking its potential through innovative management is essential for Africa’s digital future,” stated Nghikembua.
Model for others
Namibia’s achievements serve as a model for other nations. With over 91% population coverage for 4G services, Namibia has demonstrated that strategic use of spectrum, proactive licensing policies, and regional collaboration can significantly enhance connectivity even in resource-constrained environments.
Namibia’s adoption of low-frequency bands such as the 600 MHz to 900 MHz range, known for their superior propagation characteristics, exemplifies how spectrum can be optimised for rural coverage.
Innovative approaches like the introduction of formula-based spectrum fees and local spectrum access (LSA) models have made spectrum more affordable and flexible, fostering regional and localised licensing. Namibia is also exploring dynamic spectrum sharing techniques, especially with the advent of 5G, to further increase efficiency and reduce deployment costs.
Hybrid solutions
The conference also highlighted the importance of hybrid solutions involving satellite technology and Device-to-Device (D2D) communication. These emerging technologies are poised to be game-changers, especially in remote and disaster-prone areas, ensuring resilient and comprehensive connectivity.
CRAN also conducted a benchmarking visit with CAK on the sidelines of the conference, focusing on Electronic signatures, Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and cybersecurity. The exchange offered insights into Kenya’s incident response mechanisms and inter-agency collaboration, reinforcing the importance of regional cooperation in building secure digital ecosystems.
Lastly, a courtesy call to the Secretary General of ATU, John Omo, concluded CRAN’s engagements, with discussions centred on the ATU’s ongoing initiatives and Namibia’s continued support for regional ICT development.