Namibia has been ranked the third-best country in Africa for digital rights and inclusion, driven by major investments in telecommunications infrastructure, rural connectivity and cybersecurity, according to the 2025 Londa Report.
The report, published by pan-African digital rights organisation Paradigm Initiative, awarded Namibia 42 out of 60 points on its TheScore Index, placing the country behind only South Africa and Ghana among 29 African nations assessed.
The ranking reflects Namibia’s rapid digital transformation over the past year, including the launch of the Universal Service Fund (USF), expansion of rural broadband access, deployment of a privately owned mobile network and investments in cybersecurity infrastructure.
However, the report warns that Namibia’s technology progress is increasingly outpacing its regulatory framework, with the country still lacking comprehensive data protection legislation and a dedicated child online protection policy.
“As a moderately compliant country with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) Declaration, Namibia has made steps to ensure digital inclusion and combat cyber threats. However, without comprehensive digital rights laws, the country still has a lot to do to protect its citizens’ online rights,” the report said.
A key driver of Namibia’s improved performance was the launch of the Universal Service Fund in March 2025, backed by N$145 million over three years to extend connectivity to underserved rural communities.
The first phase of the programme delivered 4G connectivity to remote areas in Kavango West, Kavango East, Kunene, Oshikoto and Ohangwena, helping bridge the country’s digital divide.
The report also highlighted growing private-sector investment in the telecommunications sector.
In September 2025, Paratus launched Namibia’s first privately owned mobile network through a N$600 million investment, introducing a new competitor into a market long dominated by MTC and Telecom Namibia.
“A landmark development reshaping Namibia’s telecommunications landscape was Paratus Group’s launch of the country’s first privately owned mobile network in September 2025. Backed by a N$600 million investment and built entirely on 4G LTE technology with 5G readiness, the network covered 50 major towns and 80 communities,” the report said.
Cybersecurity was another area of progress, with the establishment of the Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team (NAM-CSIRT) supported by N$20 million in funding.
The report also noted the release of Namibia’s first Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment Report in August 2025, a move expected to inform the country’s future AI strategy and governance framework.
Despite these gains, the report identified significant weaknesses in Namibia’s digital governance environment.
According to Paradigm Initiative, Namibia still lacks comprehensive legislation governing the collection, processing and protection of personal data, leaving citizens vulnerable in cases involving privacy breaches and misuse of personal information.
“The State has not adopted laws for the protection of personal information of individuals in accordance with international human rights law and standards, and individuals have no legal recourse to effective remedies,” the report said.
The organisation also raised concerns about transparency around biometric data collected through SIM card registration and other government programmes, as well as the absence of a dedicated framework governing children’s online safety.
To strengthen its digital rights compliance, the report recommends that Namibia adopt comprehensive data protection legislation, develop a national artificial intelligence strategy, introduce stronger child online safety measures and ensure digital inclusion programmes benefit vulnerable and marginalised communities.
The findings highlight a growing challenge facing many African countries: balancing rapid digitalisation and technology adoption with the legal safeguards needed to protect citizens in an increasingly data-driven economy.
