Namibia recorded a 57% increase in cyber threat events during the second quarter of 2026, highlighting growing security risks as more consumers and businesses connect to digital services.
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) said cyber vulnerabilities also increased by 40% between April and June, according to its latest Quarterly Statistics Bulletin.
Data from the Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team (NAM-CSIRT) attributed the increase mainly to higher sinkhole-related detections and greater exposure to vulnerable network services.
The rise in cyber risks coincided with continued growth in Namibia’s digital ecosystem, including mobile and fixed broadband subscriptions, data consumption and telecommunications infrastructure investment.
Active mobile SIM card subscriptions increased by 2% during the quarter to approximately 2.79 million, while mobile broadband subscriptions grew by 2%. Fixed broadband connections increased by 1%, supported by continued fibre network expansion.
Mobile data consumption jumped 11% compared with the first quarter of 2026, reflecting increasing demand for internet-based services.
Social media and video platforms were among the drivers of data consumption, with TikTok usage growing by 21% during the quarter. YouTube usage increased by 15%, while WhatsApp recorded growth of 5%.
“The second quarter statistics underscore Namibia’s continued progress towards greater digital inclusion and connectivity. Growth in broadband subscriptions, mobile data consumption and sector revenue demonstrates increasing reliance on digital services by consumers and businesses alike,” CRAN Executive for Communication and Consumer Relations Mufaro Nesongano said.
The expansion in digital connectivity was accompanied by increased investment from telecommunications operators, which spent approximately N$243 million on network expansion and infrastructure development during the quarter.
Total ICT sector revenue increased by 12%, while operating costs rose by 9%.
Employment in the sector also grew by 3%, reaching approximately 2,210 employees by the end of June.
However, CRAN’s figures show that Namibia’s expanding digital footprint is increasing the importance of securing networks, devices and online services against cyber threats.
The 57% increase in threat events and 40% rise in identified vulnerabilities come as the government and telecommunications industry continue expanding broadband access and shifting more services online.
“While the statistics point to encouraging growth across much of the communications sector, they also emphasise the importance of strengthening cyber resilience and adapting to changing consumer behaviour,” Nesongano said.
Beyond telecommunications, CRAN recorded mixed trends across the broader communications industry.
Pay television subscriptions increased by 6% to more than 147,000, although broadcasting revenue declined by 6%, largely due to a 57% drop in advertising revenue.
Traditional postal services continued to lose users, with occupied post boxes declining by 22% and private bag occupancy falling by 29%, although postal operating revenue remained stable.
CRAN said it would continue focusing on creating a secure and inclusive communications environment as Namibia advances its digital transformation agenda.
