Namibia Minute.
24 April 2026
A daily Namibian brief · Est. 2026
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Organization

Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia

Also known as: Cran · Communication Regulatory Authority of Namibia

Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia — Namibia's telecommunications regulator that licenses operators, manages spectrum, and oversees digital security and network modernization.

Business

CRAN allocates N$42.1 million for rural mobile network expansion

The News

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia has allocated N$42.1 million under Phase 2 of the Universal Service Fund to MTC and Telecom Namibia to expand mobile and internet infrastructure into rural and underserved regions, including nine strategic RAN tower locations across five regions and connectivity to 15 public institutions. The project, 39% complete as of March 2026, supports Namibia's national development target of increasing internet penetration from 53% to 90% by 2030.

Why it matters

Digital expansion: CRAN allocates N$42.1 million to expand rural mobile and internet infrastructure, supporting Namibia's target to raise internet penetration from 53% to 90% by 2030.

15 hours ago · Informanté →

Yesterday

  1. CRAN allocates N$42.1 million for rural mobile network expansion

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia has allocated N$42.1 million under Phase 2 of the Universal Service Fund to MTC and Telecom Namibia to expand mobile and internet infrastructure into rural and underserved regions, including nine strategic RAN tower locations across five regions and connectivity to 15 public institutions. The project, 39% complete as of March 2026, supports Namibia's national development target of increasing internet penetration from 53% to 90% by 2030.

    15 hours ago · Informanté →

Friday 17 April

  1. CRAN awards N$32m to MTC for rural connectivity expansion

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia has awarded Mobile Telecommunications Limited N$32.3 million through the Universal Service Fund Phase 2 project to deploy radio access network towers across five regions, extending connectivity to 15 public institutions including schools and clinics. The initiative supports the Sixth National Development Plan's digital inclusion priorities, with Phase 3 preparations underway for approximately N$65 million to benefit close to 16 communities.

    17 April 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 16 April

  1. Digital literacy key to Namibia's economic participation

    Digital literacy—the ability to effectively use digital devices and online platforms—is increasingly recognised in Namibia as essential for economic participation and social development. As connectivity expands and more citizens gain access to digital tools, small businesses, entrepreneurs, and young Namibians are using social media, mobile banking, and digital platforms to improve livelihoods, though responsible use and cybersecurity awareness remain critical.

    16 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 2 April

  1. CRAN and NaCC strengthen ICT sector cooperation agreement

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia and the Namibian Competition Commission signed an addendum to their Memorandum of Understanding to improve collaboration on fair competition and consumer protection in the ICT sector. The agreement establishes clearer procedures for handling complaints, joint investigations, information sharing, and coordinated decision-making between the two regulators.

    2 April 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 31 March

  1. Ransomware group leaks NAC stolen data on dark web

    Data breached in a cyberattack on Namibia Airports Company has been released on the dark web by the INC Ransomware Group, including airport permits, parking databases, engineering files, and financial records. Authorities are investigating whether sensitive or personally identifiable information is among the leaked files and urge organisations to strengthen cybersecurity measures.

    31 March 2026 · New Era →

Monday 30 March

  1. Namibia Cyber Team Confirms NAC Data Breach Publication Online

    NAM-CSIRT has confirmed that data stolen in a cyberattack on Namibia Airports Company has been published online, with preliminary assessments indicating the leaked data may include airport permit records, parking management information, engineering documentation, financial records, and internal reports. The attack, detected on 6 March 2026, involved approximately 500GB of data and is linked to the INC Ransomware Group, marking the second known attack by this group in Namibia.

    30 March 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Cran urges responsible handling of NAC data breach

    The Communication Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) has called for responsible handling of information related to the Namibia Airports Company data leak, warning that circulation of unverified data may place individuals and organisations at further risk. The NAC was attacked by the Inc Ransomware Group on 19 March; leaked data includes financial records, internal reports, and engineering documents, though NAC says operations remain unaffected.

    30 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 28 March

  1. Local telecom firms must improve service after Starlink rejection

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia rejected Starlink's application citing ownership, security, and sovereignty concerns. The editorial argues that local telecommunications companies must now deliver better connectivity and affordability, noting that Namibia ranks 143rd globally in internet speed and only 15% of households have fixed internet access.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 27 March

  1. Starlink to appeal Namibia's telecommunications licence rejection

    Starlink says it will appeal the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia's rejection of its application to operate in the country, citing the authority's decision as "disappointing". The regulator declined the application because Starlink failed to meet local ownership requirements, which mandate that telecommunications providers be at least 51% locally owned, along with other regulatory and legal compliance issues.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 26 March

  1. Cran rejects Starlink licence application citing ownership and compliance failures

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia rejected Starlink's application for an operating licence after the company failed three of six required criteria, including local ownership requirements (51% local stake), regulatory compliance, and legal standards. Cran found that Starlink is entirely foreign-owned, had previously operated without a valid licence, and ignored compliance concerns raised by the authority.

    26 March 2026 · The Namibian →

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