Artificial intelligence, digital platforms and advanced connectivity are set to play a bigger role in Namibia’s economy, but their impact will depend on whether entrepreneurs can access and effectively use the technologies, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) says.
CRAN Chief Executive Officer Emilia Nghikembua said Namibia’s digital transformation must move beyond expanding connectivity towards building an ecosystem in which technology can help startups, small businesses and farmers find customers, process payments and enter new markets.
“The future will be shaped by digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and advanced connectivity. But these tools will only transform lives if entrepreneurs can understand them, access them, trust them, and use them,” Nghikembua said.
Speaking at CRAN’s second Digital Transformation and Entrepreneurship Breakfast in Oshakati on Monday, Nghikembua said access to telecommunications infrastructure on its own was not sufficient to drive digital economic participation.
“Connectivity alone is not enough. A connected entrepreneur must be able to reach customers, receive payments, access platforms, protect data, and build trust online. That is where digital transformation becomes economic transformation,” she said.
The comments come as Namibia seeks to expand the role of technology in economic activity, with CRAN placing digital inclusion, cybersecurity and innovation among the priorities of its 2026–2030 Integrated Strategic Business Plan.
The strategy also identifies operational excellence and sustainable regulation as priorities, with the regulator seeking to position the ICT sector as an enabler of investment, competitiveness and entrepreneurship.
Nghikembua said digital platforms could help businesses improve operational efficiency, strengthen customer engagement and extend their reach beyond traditional markets.
For the agriculture sector, she said technology could connect women and young entrepreneurs with buyers, training, financing, weather information and peer networks.
“The digital economy must not remain an abstract concept; it must be felt by entrepreneurs, small businesses, and communities here, across the northern regions, and throughout Namibia,” she said.
The Oshakati event brought together technology entrepreneurs, innovators, government representatives and businesses to examine how digital technologies can be deployed across different sectors of the economy.
Discussions included MTC’s digital transformation journey and startup and investment opportunities facilitated through the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board. Businesses operating in construction, trading, food production and agriculture also shared their experiences with digital adoption.
Nghikembua said greater collaboration between regulators, technology companies, entrepreneurs and investors will be required to turn Namibia’s expanding digital infrastructure and emerging technologies into commercially viable opportunities.
She called for discussions and partnerships emerging from the event to translate into practical initiatives capable of supporting stronger businesses and sustainable economic growth.
