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Friday, 15 May 2026
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Friday, 15 May 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia

Also known as: Cran · Communication Regulatory Authority of Namibia

Namibian telecommunications regulator managing spectrum, licensing, cybersecurity policy, and Universal Service Fund expansion; rejected Starlink's 2026 licence application.

2022-03-112026-05-15
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In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. February 2026

  3. … The USF is a government flagship initiative administered by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) to expand connectivity in remote areas, with a focus on communities that have historically lacked access to telecommunications infrastructure. …

    Informanté

    USF tower launched in Ehomba to boost connectivity
  4. January 2026

  5. … The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) bagged N$40 million through the Universal Service Fund to establish Radio Access Networks at 15 sites. …

    New Era

    Budget axe falls on ICT parastatals

  10. Since the public and relevant stakeholders have shared their opinions on the application by Elon Musk’s Starlink to operate in Namibia, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) expects the official decision to be announced by the end of March this year. …

    New Era

    Starlink decision expected in March

  11. The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has renewed the contract of its chief executive officer (CEO), Emilia Nghikembua, for a second term of office, effective from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2030. …

    New Era

    CRAN renews CEO’s contract
  12. December 2025

  13. The licensing process marks regulatory maturity, not a threat to our digital future The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) recently published Starlink’s telecommunications licence application for public comment in Government Gazette No 8795, a procedural milest …

    The Namibian

    Starlink’s Namibian Chapter: Progress, Not Panic
Politics

Namibia launches 2026 Cybersecurity Incident Management Guidelines

The News

The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology has officially launched the National Cybersecurity Incident Management Guidelines 2026, a framework designed to strengthen Namibia's cyber resilience and safeguard critical digital infrastructure. The guidelines were developed by the Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team under the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia and launched in Ondangwa, bringing together government, private sector, and civil society stakeholders.

Why it matters

Launch of 2026 Cybersecurity Incident Management Guidelines strengthens Namibia's critical digital infrastructure protection.

3 May 2026 · Informanté →

Sunday 3 May

  1. Namibia launches 2026 Cybersecurity Incident Management Guidelines

    The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology has officially launched the National Cybersecurity Incident Management Guidelines 2026, a framework designed to strengthen Namibia's cyber resilience and safeguard critical digital infrastructure. The guidelines were developed by the Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team under the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia and launched in Ondangwa, bringing together government, private sector, and civil society stakeholders.

    3 May 2026 · Informanté →

Saturday 25 April

  1. CRAN promotes girls' participation in tech, AI careers

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia marked International Girls in ICT Day 2026 on 23 April at A. Shipena Secondary School in Windhoek, calling for greater female participation in technology and digital fields. CRAN CEO Emilia Nghikembua encouraged young women to pursue careers as developers, data scientists, and cybersecurity experts, while the authority donated N$53,000 to the school's ICT laboratory.

    25 April 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 23 April

  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.

    23 April 2026 · 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 →

  2. Namibia maintains Starlink rejection over local ownership rules

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare defended Namibia's rejection of Starlink's licence application, saying the country will not waive its 51% local ownership requirement for any investor. Opposition leader McHenry Venaani criticised the decision as irrational, arguing Starlink could have improved internet connectivity for rural schools.

    26 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 25 March

  1. Starlink rejected over ownership rules, national security concerns

    Namibia's Information and Communication Technology Minister Emma Theofelus said the rejection of Starlink's application to provide satellite internet services was lawful and based on regulatory requirements, including the mandatory 51% local ownership rule and national security concerns. The minister noted that Starlink's proposed 100% foreign ownership model raised material regulatory considerations regarding jurisdiction and government oversight, and that the company had also operated unlawfully without a licence.

    25 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. Lawyer criticizes local providers after Starlink rejected

    Lawyer Kadhila Amoomo has criticized local internet service providers as "unreliable monopolies" following the government's rejection this week of Starlink's application to operate in Namibia, citing the company's failure to meet legal and regulatory requirements. Amoomo argued that Namibians are "stuck" with expensive and unreliable services from Telecom and MTC, while the regulatory authority Cran has warned the public against purchasing or subscribing to Starlink services as they are illegal under Namibian law.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. CRAN rejects Starlink bid to operate in Namibia

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia has declined Starlink's application for telecommunications and spectrum licences, citing non-compliance with ownership rules (requiring 51% Namibian ownership), national security concerns, and prior breaches of the Communications Act. CRAN said Starlink met only three of six required criteria, and the company may request reconsideration within 30 days.

    25 March 2026 · Informanté →

  4. Cran declines Starlink licence application in Namibia

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) has rejected Starlink's applications for both a class comprehensive telecommunications service licence and a Spectrum licence for satellite internet services. The decision was published in the Government Gazette, with the authority citing that Starlink has 0% Namibian citizen ownership, and aggrieved parties may petition for reconsideration within 90 days.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Namibia rejects Starlink licence bid citing ownership and security rules

    The government rejected Starlink's application to operate in Namibia, with the Communications Regulatory Authority noting the company failed to meet the 51% local ownership requirement and raised concerns over national security and data sovereignty. Though acknowledging Starlink's potential to improve connectivity in remote areas, authorities said compliance with Namibian law remains non-negotiable.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 23 March

  1. Ransomware attack exposes Namibia Airports Company to data theft threat

    The Namibia Airports Company suffered a ransomware attack by the INC Ransomware Group, with hackers claiming to have stolen 500 gigabytes of sensitive data including financial records, HR files, and customer information. The attackers have threatened to release the data after a countdown timer expires unless demands are met, making NAC the second confirmed Namibian victim of the group after an Otjiwarongo Municipality breach in 2025.

    23 March 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 22 March

  1. Namibia Airports Company suffers 500GB data breach by INC Ransomware

    The Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team confirmed that hackers linked to the INC Ransomware Group unauthorisedly accessed Namibia Airports Company's network and stole approximately 500GB of data, including financial records, HR data, and customer information. The group uses "double-extortion" tactics involving data theft and system encryption, and has threatened to release the stolen data after a countdown period.

    22 March 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 20 March

  1. Namibia's mobile users grow 9% as prepaid dominates

    According to CRAN's latest quarterly statistics, Namibian mobile phone users increased from 2.563 million to 2.788 million year-on-year, with prepaid subscriptions driving the growth by 5%. Mobile broadband use continues to rise, particularly via phones and fixed wireless connections, with 62% of SIM cards now used for internet access.

    20 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. CRAN expands mandate to cybersecurity and digital transformation

    The Communication Regulatory Authority of Namibia has broadened its role beyond telecommunications regulation to include cybersecurity, hosting Namibia's Cyber Incident Response Team and driving the country's digital innovation agenda. CEO Emilia Nghikembua highlighted that outdated 2009 legislation hampers progress and outlined new strategic initiatives including regulatory sandboxes for technology testing and public key infrastructure deployment.

    20 March 2026 · New Era →

  3. Cran confirms INC Ransom group behind NAC cyberattack

    The Communication Regulatory Authority of Namibia has confirmed that the INC Ransom cybercriminal group was responsible for last week's attack on Namibia Airports Company, claiming to have exfiltrated approximately 500GB of data including financial records, HR information, and customer details. This is the second Namibian entity targeted by the group after an attack on Otjiwarongo municipality last year.

    20 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 18 March

  1. Namibia Airports Company suffers cyber breach, networks restored

    The Namibia Airports Company (NAC) disclosed a cybersecurity breach detected on 6 March involving unauthorised network access, though airport services have been restored and there is no confirmed data theft. The incident prompted the Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team to issue a public advisory and call on all organisations to strengthen cyber resilience through enhanced security measures.

    18 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. Active SIM cards grow 4% in final quarter 2025

    Namibia's active SIM card subscriptions rose to 2.788 million in the fourth quarter of 2025 from 2.674 million in Q3, driven largely by a 5% increase in prepaid services, according to communications regulator Cran. Mobile broadband subscriptions grew 4%, while fixed-line subscriptions continued to decline.

    18 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Namibia detects over half-million cyber vulnerabilities in Q4 2025

    Namibia's cybersecurity team detected 535,204 cyber vulnerabilities during October–December 2025, a 4.28% decrease from the previous quarter, though phishing scams and ransomware threats remain persistent concerns. The team has identified emerging ransomware groups and emphasises the need for continued vigilance in protecting critical infrastructure.

    18 March 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 17 March

  1. Cran urges companies to strengthen cybersecurity after airport breach

    Following a cybersecurity incident at Namibia Airports Company, the Communication Regulatory Authority of Namibia has urged organisations to tighten security by implementing robust controls, enforcing governance policies, activating multifactor authentication, and conducting continuous cybersecurity awareness training.

    17 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia Airports Company confirms cybersecurity breach, limited disruption reported

    Namibia Airports Company detected a cybersecurity incident on 6 March 2026 involving unauthorised access to network infrastructure and administrative accounts. Services have been restored with limited operational impact, and there is no evidence of data exfiltration, though investigations continue; NAM-CSIRT and NAC are working together to enhance security resilience.

    17 March 2026 · Informanté →

  3. Four providers launch LEO satellite internet in rural Namibia

    CRAN has authorised four local providers—Echo Namibia, Oblixx, RocketNet, and Blue Technologies—to operate LEO satellite internet services via OneWeb, bringing broadband-quality connectivity to rural areas as traditional telecommunications infrastructure deteriorates. Farmers and remote communities are key beneficiaries, with providers offering tailored packages and cost-effective options including hardware rental and collaborative arrangements.

    17 March 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 11 March

  1. Namibia's in-house legal leaders recognized at inaugural GC Powerlist event

    The Legal 500 and law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr hosted the first GC Powerlist: Namibia 2026 ceremony, honouring over 50 general counsel and in-house legal professionals for their role in shaping corporate governance and navigating complex regulatory frameworks across finance, mining, energy, and other sectors.

    11 March 2026 · New Era →

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