Information and Communications Technology

Overview

At a policy level, Namibia has always recognised the importance of ICT and has rapidly adopted new mobile telecoms and other technology. Two commercial public enterprises play a key role in the sector but there are up-and-coming private players too.

Ministry of Information and Communication Technology and Other Public Agencies

The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology is the key policy-making institution for the industry headed by the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, since 9 February 2024 the Honourable Emma Theofelus. The Ministry published a National Broadband Policy in 2020. The telecoms and postal sectors are regulated by a public enterprise the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) responsible for regulating the telecoms services and networks including broadcasting, postal services and the full radio spectrum. CRAN produces a useful annual ICT Sector Market Report and quarterly statistics.

Government plays a direct role in providing telecoms and postal services to the economy. A holding company, Namibia Post and Telecommunications Holdings (NPTH), holds 60.1% in Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) which became the first public enterprise to list on the Namibian Stock Exchange in November 2021, 100% of Telecom Namibia (which offers fixed and mobile services) and 100% of NamPost. MTC dominates Namibia’s mobile telephony sector. Legislation has been passed which would do away with NPTH but it has not yet been enacted.

Private Sector

Namibia’s telecoms sector is dominated by state-owned players but they have no statutory monopoly. There are in total 67 licenced telecoms operators of which 37 hold licences for comprehensive telecoms services. Paratus Namibia is one such company. Starting in Namibia it listed on the main board of the NSX in 2020 and has grown to the extent where is has a presence in 22 countries in Africa. Namibia is connected to the intercontinental West Africa Cable System connecting the UK to South Africa with 14 landing points including one in Swakopmund. Namibia is connected to Google’s Equiano submarine cable system with six landing points including one in Swakopmund.

Last checked: 30 Sep 2025 · As at 30 Sep 2025

Regulators

Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia

Telecommunications, broadcasting and postal services are regulated by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) under the Communications Act (Act No.8 of 2009) which also regulates the use and allocation of radio spectrum and the .na domain name. CRAN’s current CEO is Ms Emilia Nghikembua whose term runs from 1 January 2021.Read more

Source: Communications Act, last checked 28 Mar 2025

Public enterprises

Mobile Telecommunications Ltd

Mobile Telecommunications (MTC) is a Limited company established in 1995 and classified as a commercial public enterprise. It is majority-owned by the Government of Namibia through Namibia Post and Telecommunication Holdings (NPTH) after becoming the first Namibian public enterprise to list on the Namibian Stock Exchange in November 2021. It is regulated by the Communication Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN). MTC’s financial year runs from 1 October. MTC’s CEO is Dr Licky Erastus who was appointed on 8 March 2021.Read more

Namibia Post Limited

Namibia Post Limited (“NamPost”) is a Limited company established in 1992 under the Namibia Post and Telecomunications Act (Act No.17 of 1992) and currently fully owned by the Government through Namibia Post and Telecom Holdings (NPTH) and is classified as a commercial public enterprise. Nampost is mandated “to conduct postal services and supplementary services (the control and management of the Savings Bank)” under a Universal Service Obligation which stipulates that “all consumers have access to basic services at affordable, uniform prices and that the services have a minimum level of quality”. Nampost is regulated by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN). Nampost’s financial year runs from 1 October. Nampost’s CEO was Mr Festus Hangula for 15 years but he retired and Ms Eldorette Harmse was appointed acting CEO from 1 September 2025 until Mr Willem Mouton was appointed CEO from 1 August 2026.Read more

Telecom Namibia Limited

Telecom Namibia is a limited company established under the Namibia Post and Telecommunications Act (Act No.17 of 1992) and is classified as a commercial public enterprise. It is Namibia’s only integrated ICT provider. It is owned by Namibia Post and Telecommunications Holdings (NPTH) of which Government is the sole shareholder. Telecom’s financial year runs from 1 October. Telecom is rated by Fitch Ratings. Telecom’s CEO was Dr Stanley Shanapinda who was appointed on 1 January 2021 but left after serving a full term and was replaced by Mr Armando Perney as acting CEO from 1 July 2026.Read more