Digitalization in Namibia

Digitalization in Namibia is the process of digital transformation and the adoption of digital technologies in Namibia. As of 2023, this movement has been characterized by the rapid increase in internet penetration, the development of digital infrastructure, the proliferation of digital services, and the implementation of digital literacy programs.

History

As of 1998, a report states that only 0.7% of the population had access to the Internet in Namibia.^[1] A governmental conference held in Windhoek in 2009 concluded limited internet access, lack of technological infrastructure, low digital literacy, and regulatory challenges as key barriers towards economic transformation which hence was seen primarily through digitalization.^[2] The first notable step towards digitalization in Namibia was the liberalization of the telecommunications sector in 2006, leading to the emergence of multiple ISPs and mobile network operators.^[3]

Namibia launched 4G and 5G spectrum auctions in early 2023.^[4]

Digital infrastructure

In 2021 it was reported, 1.31 million out of 2.56 million of Namibian population were connected to the Internet.^[5] Since then, Namibian underwent internet connectivity and mobile phones usage expansion, primarily by the government and major telecom companies, such as Telecom Namibia^[6] and Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC).^[7]

Government initiatives

The Namibian government has been proactive in driving digital transformation in the country. Its National ICT Policy, introduced in 2016, aimed to harness information and communication technologies to foster economic growth and social development.^[8] Furthermore, in 2021, the government unveiled the Digital Namibia Strategy, which outlined a comprehensive plan to enhance digital literacy, cybersecurity, e-governance, and data-driven decision-making, among other areas.^[9][10]

References

1. Jat, Dharm Singh; Sieck, Jürgen; Muyingi, Hippolyte N'Sung-Nza; Winschiers-Theophilus, Heike; Peters, Anicia; Nggada, Shawulu, eds. (2018). Digitisation of Culture: Namibian and International Perspectives. Singapore: Springer Singapore. doi:10.1007/978-981-10-7697-8. ISBN 978-981-10-7696-1. S2CID 13683227.
2. Bruijn, Mirjam de (2019). Digitalization and the field of African studies. Carl Schlettwein lecture. Universität Basel. Basel, Switzerland: Basler Afrika Bibliographien. ISBN 978-3-905758-98-6.
3. Singh, Dharm; Sieck, Jürgen; Muyingi, Hippolyte N'Sung-Nza; Winschiers-Theophilus, Heike; Peters, Anicia; Nggada, Shawulu (2018). Digitisation of Culture: Namibian and International Perspectives. Heidelberg: Springer. ISBN 978-981-10-7696-1.
4. Barton, James (2023-02-22). "Namibia launches 4G and 5G spectrum auctions". Developing Telecoms. Retrieved 2023-07-31.
5. "Digital in Namibia: All the Statistics You Need in 2021". DataReportal – Global Digital Insights. 2021-02-12. Retrieved 2023-07-31.
6. Observer (2023-06-26). "Telecom Namibia signs contract to fast-track digital transformation – WINDHOEK OBSERVER". Retrieved 2023-07-31.
7. "CENORED, MTC seal smart metering agreement - Business Financial Website". thebrief.com.na. Retrieved 2023-07-31.
8. Chitimira, Howard (2023). Financial inclusion and digital transformation regulatory practices in selected SADC countries. South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. Springer.
9. Mare, Admire; Woyo, Erisher; Amadhila, Elina M. (2023). Teaching and learning with digital technologies in higher education institutions in Africa. Case studies from a pandemic context. Routledge.
10. Mbangula, Daniel Kwalipo (2024-07-01), Khosrow-Pour, D.B.A., Mehdi (ed.), Exploring the Integration of ICT in Public Sector Management in Namibia, Advances in Information Quality and Management, IGI Global, pp. 1–13, doi:10.4018/978-1-6684-7366-5.ch039, ISBN 978-1-6684-7366-5, retrieved 2023-07-31