Telecom Namibia Limited has secured a N$405 million loan from RMB Namibia to fund a fibre-to-the-home rollout and upgrade its mobile network infrastructure, including the deployment of base stations capable of supporting future 5G technology and the transition from legacy networks to 4G.
The seven-year facility will support the operator’s five-year strategy to modernise infrastructure and expand affordable connectivity across the country, with a focus on improving broadband access and strengthening network capacity in underserved areas.
Telecom Namibia Chief Executive Officer Stanley Shanapinda said the investment is aligned with national development priorities and aims to improve access to essential digital services.
“Telecom’s key objective is to ensure that every citizen can access and use entertainment, communication, information, education, commerce and online health services through fast, reliable and affordable connectivity,” Shanapinda said.
He added that the strategy is closely aligned with Namibia’s national development plan, positioning the transaction as a direct investment in socio-economic development.
Namibia continues to face infrastructure constraints in the ICT sector, with 11 of the country’s 14 regions still below the national broadband coverage target of 95%. Limited fibre networks, ageing copper infrastructure and reliance on 2G and 3G technologies have weighed on access and service quality.
Shanapinda said Telecom Namibia is implementing measures to address these gaps, including expanding fibre and 4G coverage, improving affordability and supporting digital skills development.
The funding will be directed towards two priority areas, including a fibre-to-the-home rollout aimed at delivering broadband speeds of at least 25 Mbps, in line with national minimum requirements. The rollout is expected to benefit households as well as institutions such as schools, hospitals and other public services.
In addition, Telecom Namibia will upgrade its mobile network through the deployment of new base stations to improve capacity and reliability while enabling future 5G readiness.
RMB Namibia Transactor Leonard Hamunyela said the financing is structured to deliver broader socio-economic benefits.
“This partnership with Telecom is more than just financing infrastructure. It is about enabling digital inclusion and empowering Namibians with improved access to essential services,” Hamunyela said.
The loan has been structured in line with the Social Loan Principles of the Loan Market Association, an international framework that promotes funding for projects with measurable social outcomes.
RMB Namibia said the investment is expected to help narrow the digital divide between urban and rural communities while strengthening Namibia’s competitiveness in the digital economy.
