Niël Terblanché
Emma Theofelus, Namibia’s Minister of Information and Communication Technology, has announced plans to expand collaboration agreements with neighbouring countries Angola, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.
The announcement was made during the ministry’s annual staff meeting in Windhoek on Thursday.
“This initiative aims to harmonise mobile roaming fees, building on the successful reduction of roaming charges between Namibia and Botswana,” she said.
Theofelus reiterated that the process of digital inclusion and cross-border connectivity is already in progress and being strengthened.
“Our collaboration with Botswana is a demonstration of our efforts to deliver affordable communication services to all Namibians, which will ultimately have a positive snowball effect on other sectors such as trade, tourism, and general cross-border connectivity,” she said.
The agreement with Botswana, which came into effect in August 2024, has already proven transformative.
The minister said that lowered roaming tariffs have enhanced cross-border communication and strengthened ties between the two nations.
Theofelus stressed that extending this initiative to Angola, Zimbabwe, and Zambia would further benefit Namibians living along these borders by offering improved and affordable access to connectivity.
“I am happy to inform you that I have engaged my counterparts from Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Angola to sign collaboration agreements that will include the harmonisation of roaming fees. This will significantly improve the lives of our people living along the borders of the country through better and more affordable connectivity,” she said.
She also spoke about the broader implications of affordable connectivity, describing it as a critical enabler for economic development.
“Affordable communication services, she noted, could unlock opportunities in various sectors, from trade to tourism, while fostering closer regional integration,” she said.
According to Theofelus, Namibia’s efforts to expand digital accessibility are part of a broader strategy to bridge the digital divide.
She added that the ministry has already implemented several initiatives to improve infrastructure and enhance cybersecurity, aligning with the government’s vision of a digitally inclusive Namibia.
“We are committed to ensuring that technology empowers every Namibian citizen, particularly those in underserved and unserved areas,” she said.
Theofelus also lauded the ministry’s achievements over the past year, including advancements in cybersecurity and digital literacy.
She pointed to the recent progress in implementing the National Digital Strategy and efforts to develop a robust legislative framework to safeguard and expand Namibia’s digital ecosystem as an example.
According to Theofelus, the government is committed to transparency and accountability, with ongoing campaigns to raise awareness about the Access to Information Act and enhance government communication strategies.
“Future generations will one day ask what we did for them as the world entered the digital era. We must ensure we have a proud and transformative answer to that call,” she said.
Theofelus added that these initiatives are paving the way for a more connected, digitally empowered future.
She added that the forthcoming agreements with Angola, Zimbabwe, and Zambia promise to bring the benefits of affordable communication to even more Namibians, driving progress and unity across borders.
