Africazine:
Namibia is making significant investments to enhance telecommunication access in rural regions.
The country is allocating N3 million to install communication towers in underserved areas, particularly in Kavango West. Currently, this region has only nine towers, and the project aims to improve connectivity at 42 new sites.
Namibia’s Investment in Rural Connectivity
The initiative targets the northern parts of Namibia, focusing on Kavango West, which is recognized as the least-connected region in the country. The installation of communication towers is crucial for improving access to telecommunication services for residents.
Telecom Namibia CEO Stanley Shanapinda highlighted that an annual budget of N million will be dedicated to the maintenance and operation of these towers. This investment underscores the commitment to ensuring sustainable telecommunication infrastructure.
Funding Through Universal Service Fund
The project is financed by a universal service fund established by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia in March 2025. This fund aims to bridge the connectivity gap in rural areas, ensuring that all Namibians have access to essential communication services.
As planning progresses, detailed site surveys will be conducted to refine and validate cost estimates for the installation process. This careful planning is essential to ensure the project’s success and efficiency.
Next Steps for Telecommunication Expansion
- Conduct detailed site surveys for tower installations.
- Finalize cost estimates based on survey results.
- Begin installation of towers at the identified sites.
Namibia is taking bold steps to enhance rural telecommunication access.
