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Sunday, 6 September 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Sunday, 6 September 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia

Also known as: Cran · Communication Regulatory Authority of Namibia

Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia — regulatory body managing digital infrastructure, public key infrastructure, universal service fund, and digital transformation initiatives in Namibia.

2022-03-112026-09-06
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What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. June 2026

  2. Informanté

    Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia reported mobile internet usage rose by 6% between January and March 2026

    Source

    “This was reported in the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia's (CRAN) latest Quarterly Statistics Bulletin for the first quarter of 2026.”

    Mobile internet usage rises by 6%, fuelled by social media

  3. The Namibian

    Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) closed its reconsideration process on Starlink's rejected licence application

    Source

    “Namibia's communications regulator has closed its reconsideration process on Starlink's rejected licence application, directing the aggrieved parties to the High Court.”

    Cran slams door on Starlink bid

  4. Informanté

    CRAN houses NAM-CSIRT

    Source

    “NAM-CSIRT, which is housed within the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), said it has already contacted all potentially affected organisations and provided guidance on measures to secure their systems and reduce the risk of unauthorised access.”

    CRAN warns 13 Namibian organisations over global FortiBleed cyber threat

  5. Windhoek Observer

    Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia upheld its rejection of Starlink Internet Services Namibia's licence applications

    Source

    “The decision by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) to uphold its rejection of Starlink Internet Services Namibia's licence applications should not be viewed as a victory against innovation, nor should it be interpreted as hostility towards foreign investment.”

    Starlink must respect Namibia’s laws

  6. Windhoek Observer

    CRAN declined Mobile Telecommunications Limited's earlier requests for spectrum in the 2300–2400 MHz and 3600–3900 MHz bands

    Source

    “Meanwhile, Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) has filed a formal application for reconsideration after CRAN declined its earlier requests for spectrum in the 2300–2400 MHz and 3600–3900 MHz bands.”

    CRAN spectrum decisions draw scrutiny from industry players

  7. Informanté

    CRAN upheld its decision to reject Starlink Internet Services Namibia (Pty) Ltd's licence applications

    Source

    “THE Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has upheld its decision to reject Starlink Internet Services Namibia (Pty) Ltd's licence applications, saying the reconsideration process did not provide new evidence or demonstrate any material error in the original decision.”

    CRAN upholds decision to reject Starlink licence applications

  8. Informanté

    CRAN found that the application did not meet requirements relating to ownership and control, compliance history, and national security and public safety

    Source

    “Nghikembua said CRAN found that the application did not meet requirements relating to ownership and control, compliance history, and national security and public safety.”

    CRAN upholds decision to reject Starlink licence applications

  9. Windhoek Observer

    CRAN dismissed all applications seeking reconsideration of its decision to reject Starlink Internet Services Namibia (Pty) Ltd licence applications

    Source

    “The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has dismissed all applications seeking reconsideration of its decision to reject the licence applications of Starlink Internet Services Namibia (Pty) Ltd, reaffirming that the company failed to comply with the country's communications laws.”

    Starlink fails to overturn CRAN licence decision

  10. Windhoek Observer

    CRAN upheld its earlier ruling that Starlink's application remained non-compliant with ownership and control requirements

    Source

    “As a result, the regulator upheld its earlier ruling, stating that Starlink's application remained non-compliant with the ownership and control requirements contained in Section 46 of the Communications Act, No. 8 of 2009.”

    Starlink fails to overturn CRAN licence decision

  11. The Namibian

    Cran awarded a comprehensive licence in April 2020 to the City of Windhoek

    Source

    “After engagements between Cran and the city authorities, Cran decided near the end of April 2020 to award a comprehensive licence in terms of the Communications Act to the city.”

    City loses appeal about telecom service licence
Politics

Minister launches DigiNam public key infrastructure system

The News

Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu unveiled Namibia's Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), called DigiNam, designed to enable secure digital identification, authentication and transactions for citizens, businesses and government. The system uses digital certificates and cryptographic keys to verify signatories and document integrity, with the Communications Regulatory Authority serving as the Root Certification Authority.

4 September 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 4 September

  1. Minister launches DigiNam public key infrastructure system

    Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu unveiled Namibia's Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), called DigiNam, designed to enable secure digital identification, authentication and transactions for citizens, businesses and government. The system uses digital certificates and cryptographic keys to verify signatories and document integrity, with the Communications Regulatory Authority serving as the Root Certification Authority.

    4 September 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Nolan Swarts appointed to CRAN board

    Nolan Swarts has joined the board of directors of the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN).

    4 September 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Tuesday 1 September

  1. Home Affairs accredited as Namibia's digital certificate provider

    The Ministry of Home Affairs has been accredited by Cran as Namibia's first certification service provider, allowing it to issue and manage digital certificates for online identity verification and government services. The accreditation, granted under the Electronic Transactions Act and 2025 regulations, is valid for four years and supports the rollout of Namibia's national public key infrastructure and e-ID services.

    1 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia launches digital trust system for online document signing

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) has launched DigiNam, a digital trust system enabling Namibians to use verified digital identities and electronic signatures to sign documents and access services online. The system, backed by the Electronic Transactions Act of 2019, supports government services, contract signing, banking, business registration, customer verification, and health or education records management.

    1 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 31 August

  1. Deputy minister urges Namibian entrepreneurs to pursue regional markets

    Deputy minister of education Dino Ballotti challenged Namibian entrepreneurs to expand beyond the domestic market of three million people and pursue customers in Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa using technology. The article's author, while agreeing with the ambition, questions whether Namibia has the foundational business infrastructure—competitive companies, proper capitalization, technological capability, and consistent delivery—necessary for successful regional expansion.

    31 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 28 August

  1. CRAN, NORED sign five-year MoU on digital and electrification infrastructure

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) and NORED Electricity signed a five-year non-binding Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on rural broadband connectivity, electrification initiatives, and capacity building to support Namibia's digital transformation and socio-economic development.

    28 August 2026 · Informanté →

  2. CRAN CEO Nghikembua appointed vice-chair of CEO Forum

    Emilia Nghikembua, CEO of the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia, has been appointed vice-chairperson of the Public Enterprises CEOs Forum.

    28 August 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Tuesday 25 August

  1. Deputy Minister urges Namibian entrepreneurs to expand regionally

    Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture Dino Ballotti told entrepreneurs at a CRAN breakfast in Oshakati that Namibia's small population should not limit business ambitions, urging them to use digital technology to pursue customers in Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Digital platforms and services now allow businesses to serve clients beyond their physical location, though regional expansion requires capital, market knowledge, logistics, payment systems and regulatory compliance.

    25 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Deputy minister urges entrepreneurs to expand regionally via digital

    Deputy minister Dino Ballotti told entrepreneurs in Oshakati that Namibia's three-million population should not limit ambitions, and urged them to use digital platforms and technology to target customers in Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.

    25 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 24 August

  1. SQL injection persists as major cybersecurity threat after twenty years

    SQL injection, a web vulnerability allowing attackers to manipulate databases through malicious commands inserted into login forms and search boxes, continues to expose organisations globally to data theft and operational disruption despite being well-understood for over two decades. Its persistence is attributed to weaknesses in security implementation, governance, and software development practices rather than lack of available defences.

    24 August 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 20 August

  1. MTC urges government smartphone subsidies ahead of 2G, 3G shutdown

    MTC told parliament's ICT committee that government should subsidise smartphones before 2G and 3G networks are phased out, to prevent customers being left without compatible devices as the frequencies are reassigned to 4G and 5G.

    20 August 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Sunday 16 August

  1. CRAN and NAPWU agree five percent wage increase for 2026/2027

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia and the Namibia Public Workers Union signed a Memorandum of Agreement on 12 August 2026 providing for a five percent wage increase for employees in the bargaining unit for the 2026/2027 financial year, following wage negotiations concluded on 27 July 2026.

    16 August 2026 · Informanté →

Saturday 15 August

  1. Cran's universal service fund brings free Wi-Fi to state hospitals

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) established a Universal Service Fund in March 2025 with approximately N$135 million allocated over three years to enhance digital connectivity by subsidising radio access network infrastructure. The fund supports the National Broadband Policy's goal of bringing internet speeds of at least 2 Mbps to 80% of the population, beginning with public spaces including schools, libraries, hospitals, and clinics.

    15 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 11 August

  1. Africa Online, Radio Electronic explore OneWeb satellite for Namibia

    Africa Online and Radio Electronic have signed a letter of intent to explore using OneWeb low Earth orbit satellite technology to improve connectivity in Namibia's rural and remote areas. The companies will assess the technical, commercial and operational feasibility of using satellite technology to complement existing telecommunications infrastructure in sectors including agriculture, mining, tourism, education, healthcare, logistics and government.

    11 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 10 August

  1. Namibia and Botswana sign ICT cooperation agreement

    Namibia and Botswana have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen digital partnership, focusing on digital transformation, cybersecurity, connectivity, and emerging technologies. The agreement, signed by the countries' respective ICT ministers, establishes a framework for collaboration in ICT infrastructure, innovation, digital skills development, and cybersecurity.

    10 August 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 7 August

  1. Raundjua Hengari appointed CRAN board vice-chair

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has appointed Raundjua Hengari as the new vice-chairperson of the board of directors.

    7 August 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Tuesday 4 August

  1. NCCI and CRAN sign three-year digital transformation partnership

    The Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding to advance digital transformation, strengthen cybersecurity, and support businesses in Namibia's digital economy through cooperation in areas including Public Key Infrastructure, e-trade facilitation, and digital literacy.

    4 August 2026 · Informanté →

Saturday 1 August

  1. New e-ID to expire after 10 years, enhancing security

    Namibia's home affairs ministry is promoting a new electronic ID document with a 10-year expiry date, set for rollout in September. The expiry requirement—unlike the indefinite lifespan of the old ID—is designed to ensure facial recognition accuracy over time, and the e-ID will include security features such as a chip, thumbprint, and PIN.

    1 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 29 July

  1. Omaheke governor urges inclusive e-ID rollout for marginalised communities

    Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate says rural and marginalised communities, particularly the San population, need to be convinced to adopt the government's planned electronic identification documents if the rollout is to be inclusive. A team from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, partnering with UNDP, is visiting all seven constituencies in the region this week to explain the chip-based e-ID, with concerns raised about low literacy levels among marginalised groups.

    29 July 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Omaheke hosts start of nationwide e-ID awareness campaign

    The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security launched a national electronic identity awareness campaign in Omaheke, the first region in a nationwide stakeholder engagement drive ahead of Namibia's planned e-ID system rollout in September. The campaign aims to explain the benefits of the digital identity programme and address public concerns over data protection and privacy.

    29 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 24 July

  1. Namibian cybersecurity vulnerabilities surge 40% in Q2 2026

    Namibia recorded 513,921 cybersecurity vulnerabilities from April to June 2026, a 39.8% increase year-on-year, with cyber events rising 56.7%. NAM-CSIRT attributed the rise to remote management exposure, legacy network services, and emerging threats including BAVACAI ransomware and Black X extortion group activity.

    24 July 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 22 July

  1. Namibia recorded 513,921 cyber vulnerabilities in Q2 2024

    Namibia recorded more than half a million cyber vulnerabilities between April and June, representing a 39.8% increase from the previous quarter, according to the Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team. The Communication Regulatory Authority chief executive urged organisations to tighten cybersecurity measures, implement national incident management guidelines, and report incidents early.

    22 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 13 July

  1. Namibian authorities warn public against rising vishing scams

    Despite mandatory SIM registration, Namibians face an increase in vishing (voice phishing) scams, in which scammers use phone calls to manipulate individuals into disclosing sensitive information or transferring money. Regulatory authorities including Cran, MTC, and the Bank of Namibia stress that while SIM registration improves accountability, it cannot fully address advanced social engineering tactics.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 2 July

  1. NAM-CSIRT reports significant decline in cyber threats, vulnerabilities

    Namibia's cyber security incident response team reported that detected cyber vulnerabilities declined by 31.3% and reported cyber threat events decreased by 47.3% during the first quarter of 2026, though exposed remote management services and legacy network protocols remain significant risks.

    2 July 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 1 July

  1. MTC and Cran to investigate customer data depletion complaints

    Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) has acknowledged customer concerns over rapid data depletion and billing issues, and confirmed it is working with the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) to address the matter. MTC spokesperson Tim Ekandjo noted the issue is not unique to Namibia but affects telecommunications companies across the continent.

    1 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 30 June

  1. MTC investigated over rapid data depletion complaints

    Mobile Telecommunications Limited customers have filed complaints with the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) over alleged rapid data depletion and billing issues. Cran and MTC have agreed to conduct a joint technical testing and verification exercise involving affected consumers to examine their data depletion claims using technical information and charging records.

    30 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. CRAN engages MTC over consumer data depletion complaints

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia has engaged Mobile Telecommunications Limited over consumer concerns about data disappearing faster than expected and billing transparency issues. CRAN and MTC have agreed to launch a technical testing and verification initiative involving affected consumers, with findings to guide interventions and possible relief.

    30 June 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 29 June

  1. Starlink can pursue High Court review despite late filing

    Lawyer Richard Metcalfe says Starlink can challenge Cran's rejection of its licence application in the High Court through review proceedings and condonation, even though its reconsideration request was dismissed for being filed late. Cran dismissed the application after Starlink missed the 30-day deadline, having submitted it on 8 June, 55 days after the licence rejection on 23 March.

    29 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia faces skills gap in oil and gas digitisation

    Namibia's oil and gas sector can meet only about 45% of its required technical skills, with shortages in data science, engineering, cybersecurity, and digital systems management. The country must invest in education, vocational training, and digital infrastructure to avoid over-reliance on foreign expertise and enable effective digital transformation.

    29 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 25 June

  1. Windhoek may seek legal changes for fibre commercialisation project

    The City of Windhoek says it may seek legislative amendments to the Local Authorities Act after the Supreme Court ruled the municipality lacks legal authority to provide telecommunications services. The city views fibre commercialisation as essential to its smart city ambitions.

    25 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute