Telecom Namibia has entered into a strategic partnership with Demshi Investment Holdings that will allow the telecommunications operator to rapidly expand fibre broadband coverage by leveraging third-party infrastructure rather than building its own network from the ground up.
The agreement marks a significant step in Telecom Namibia’s digital transformation strategy and reflects a growing shift towards open-access network models in the telecommunications sector.
Under the arrangement, Demshi will finance, deploy, own and maintain fibre infrastructure, while Telecom Namibia will use the network to provide broadband and digital services to residential and business customers.
The model allows Telecom Namibia to expand its fibre footprint more quickly and cost-effectively, reducing the capital expenditure typically associated with large-scale network rollouts.
Telecom Namibia Chief Executive Officer Dr Stanley Shanapinda said the partnership would accelerate fibre deployment while helping address longstanding challenges linked to ageing copper infrastructure.
“This partnership represents a strong alignment of vision and strategy between Telecom Namibia and Demshi. As we fast-track our fibre rollout, we are actively addressing the challenges of copper theft by transitioning to fibre infrastructure, particularly in high-risk areas,” he said.
Copper cable theft and vandalism continue to pose significant challenges for telecommunications operators across Namibia, often resulting in service disruptions and costly repairs.
By transitioning customers to fibre-based infrastructure, Telecom Namibia expects to improve network reliability while reducing maintenance costs and service outages.
Under the agreement, Telecom Namibia will pay Demshi recurring fees linked to customer subscriptions, alongside installation and interconnection charges where applicable.
Demshi, which is backed by the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF), operates an open-access fibre network model that enables multiple service providers to utilise the same infrastructure, reducing duplication of investment and accelerating broadband deployment.
Shanapinda said the partnership would also support the rollout of next-generation business and consumer services.
“This collaboration will enable us to deliver advanced solutions such as Cloud PABX for businesses and seamless, high-speed connectivity for residential customers. We thank Demshi for their foresight, commitment, and continued drive to innovate alongside us,” he said.
Demshi Investment Holdings Managing Director Werner Shilunga said the partnership would contribute to improving internet access and narrowing Namibia’s digital divide.
“Our infrastructure is designed to empower connectivity and help narrow Namibia’s digital divide. We are humbled by Telecom Namibia’s trust and confident that this partnership will bring meaningful improvements to customers, especially in addressing challenges such as copper theft,” he said.
The agreement aligns with Telecom Namibia’s five-year Integrated Strategic Business Plan and 2025/26 Annual Operating Plan, both of which prioritise broadband expansion, customer experience and digital innovation.
As demand for high-speed internet continues to grow, infrastructure-sharing partnerships are increasingly becoming a key strategy for telecommunications operators seeking to expand coverage while managing network investment costs.
