The IMT-2020 (5G) Strategy for Namibia (2023–2027)

December 2022

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Strategies and Action Plans

The IMT-2020 (5G) Strategy for Namibia (2023–2027) lays out the roadmap for implementing 5G technology in the country, aiming to enable digital transformation and socioeconomic growth.

Purpose

The strategy was developed following a Cabinet directive to prepare Namibia for 5G adoption, ensuring safe, efficient, and inclusive deployment of the technology.

Vision and goals

To harness 5G for inclusive development by improving mobile broadband, enabling smart industries, and supporting services like e-health, e-education, and e-agriculture.

Key pillars

Enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) for faster, widespread internet.
Ultra-reliable low latency communication (uRLLC) for time-sensitive applications like remote surgery.
Massive machine-type communication (mMTC) for IoT and smart systems.
Energy efficiency and security are foundational principles.

Implementation elements

Core and access network deployment through standalone and non-standalone models.
Spectrum planning across low-, mid-, and high-band frequencies, including dynamic spectrum sharing.
Infrastructure sharing to reduce costs and environmental impact.
Device ecosystem development to ensure affordable 5G-enabled devices.
Use cases targeting sectors like health, agriculture, education, manufacturing, and disaster response.

Security and regulatory readiness

Emphasis on cyber resilience and protection of critical infrastructure.
Adoption of global standards (ITU, 3GPP, ICNIRP).
Ongoing development of a legal and policy framework including data protection and cybercrime legislation.

Operator readiness

Namibia has four main operators with varying capacities for 5G deployment. The strategy encourages phased, sustainable rollouts while supporting rural connectivity.