The Namibia National Broadband Policy (2018–2022)

The Namibia National Broadband Policy (2018–2022) provides a comprehensive framework for the development and implementation of broadband infrastructure and services across the country. Below is a detailed summary and explanation of the policy’s key components:

Vision, mission, and goal

• Vision: An informed ICT-smart Namibia.
• Mission: Create an enabling environment for universal access to broadband infrastructure.
• Goal: Achieve reliable, affordable broadband services for all.

Policy rationale

Namibia aims to bridge the digital divide and promote socioeconomic development through universal access to broadband. The policy addresses:

• Access: Ensuring availability of broadband.
• Affordability: Making services cost-effective.
• Quality: Maintaining industry standards.
• Usage: Encouraging widespread and effective utilisation.
• Content development: Supporting creation of local and useful digital content.

National & cross-border commitments

The policy aligns with:

• National: Vision 2030, NDP5 (2017–2022), Harambee Prosperity Plan, ICT sector policies, e-Government strategies, Universal Access Policy, Communications Act 2009.
• Regional/international: SADC Broadband Guidelines, Broadband Commission goals, African broadband integration initiatives.

Guiding principles & pillars

Principles

• Alignment with national development goals.
• Universal access, affordability, and quality.
• Promotion of ICT for socio-economic development.
• Sustainable, eco-friendly development.

Pillars

1. Infrastructure
2. Connectivity and Devices
3. Content, Applications, and Innovations
4. Capacity Building and Awareness
5. Finance and Investment
6. Policy, Legislation, and Regulation

Supported by:

• Confidence and security of networks and services.
• Robust governance and coordination.

Strategic objectives

• Expand universal access to broadband.
• Develop content and applications.
• Build ICT skills and reduce the digital divide.
• Create an enabling legal and policy environment.

Broadband targets (SADC-Aligned)

By 2023, Namibia aims to:

• Cover 95% of the population with broadband.
• Connect 100% of schools and 90% of health facilities.
• Ensure 100% of public sector agencies have broadband.
• Develop 50 institutions with e-application content by 2030.

Implementation framework

Governance

• Led by the Ministry of ICT and the National Broadband Steering Committee (NBSC).
• Includes collaboration across ministries and with regulators (CRAN), telecom operators, and stakeholders.

Legal and regulatory reforms

• Support for open access, infrastructure sharing, spectrum management.
• Enabling laws for cybersecurity, e-transactions, and digital innovation.

Investment and financing

• Public and private sector investment through:
  • Direct government funding (e.g. for schools, hospitals).
  • Private sector licensee obligations.
  • Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
  • Development loans, grants, Build-Operate-Transfer models.

Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting

• M&E is aligned with the National Development Plan framework.
• Uses Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for broadband access, affordability, and usage.
• Includes quarterly and biannual project reviews, with a comprehensive five-year review.

Demand and supply strategies

• Demand side: Develop local content, boost digital literacy (including for elderly users), stimulate use of broadband in health, education, agriculture.
• Supply side: Open markets, support OTT services, infrastructure deployment, fiscal incentives for rural broadband rollout.

Advocacy and awareness

An outreach campaign is planned to ensure that:

• The public understands and supports broadband initiatives.
• Content is inclusive (including local languages and accessibility).
• All stakeholders (from policymakers to citizens) are engaged.

Programme management

• Projects aligned with broadband pillars.
• Examples: virtual classrooms, mobile health, smart transport.
• Clear project scopes, responsibilities, timelines, funding, and evaluation.