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Wednesday, 21 October 2026
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Wednesday, 21 October 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 — telecom regulator overseeing sim registration, 5G rollout, cybersecurity incident response coordination, and digital infrastructure including DigiNam PKI system.

2022-03-112026-10-21
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News reports

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What’s been said

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  1. June 2026

  2. The Namibian

    Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia recommends that affected organisations review firewall configurations and conduct security reviews

    Source

    “Cran recommends that they review their firewall configurations for unauthorised changes and conduct reviews to identify any compromises to their systems.”

    Global cyber threat puts 13 Namibian organisations at risk

  3. Namibian Sun

    Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia made a decision not to issue spectrum and service licenses

    Source

    “One of more than 5 600 people who signed a petition urging the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) to reconsider its decision not to issue spectrum and service li...”

    5 600 Namibians urge Cran to reconsider Starlink

  4. Windhoek Observer

    Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia is committed to becoming a digital ecosystem builder, by shifting to functionality-based regulations

    Source

    “The Authority is committed to becoming a digital ecosystem builder, by shifting to functionality-based regulations.”

    Unlocking Namibia’s digital future

  5. Windhoek Observer

    CRAN will build on the work done in the non-banking financial sector by Namibia Financial Institution Supervisory Authority

    Source

    “The Authority will build on the work done in the non-banking financial sector by the Namibia Financial Institution Supervisory Authority (NAMFISA).”

    Unlocking Namibia’s digital future

  6. Windhoek Observer

    Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has received 624 applications for reconsideration following its licence decision

    Source

    “The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has received 624 applications for reconsideration following its decision on the licence application submitted by Starlink Internet Services Namibia (Pty) Ltd.”

    CRAN gets 624 Starlink reconsideration applications

  7. Informanté

    Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) received 624 applications for reconsideration following its decision on Starlink licence application

    Source

    “THE Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has received 624 applications for reconsideration following its decision on the licence application submitted by Starlink Internet Services Namibia (Pty) Ltd, the regulator confirmed on Monday.”

    Hundreds challenge CRAN ruling on Starlink application

  8. The Namibian

    Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) received 624 applications requesting reconsideration of Starlink licence decision

    Source

    “The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) has received 624 applications from the public and interested stakeholders requesting it to reconsider its decision on the licence application submitted by Starlink Internet Services Namibia (Pty) Ltd.”

    Over 600 seek review of Cran’s Starlink decision
  9. May 2026

  10. The Namibian

    Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) published proposed increases to regulatory levies and licensing fees for both telecommunication and broadcasting companies in the Government Gazette of 24 April

    Source

    “This comes after the authority published proposed increases to regulatory levies and licensing fees for both telecommunication and broadcasting companies in the Government Gazette of 24 April.”

    Cran defends controversial fee hike for broadcasters

  11. The Namibian

    Cran says that it considered the financial position of small radio broadcasters in its new proposal for regulatory levies

    Source

    “The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) says that it considered the financial position of small radio broadcasters in its new proposal for regulatory levies.”

    Cran defends controversial fee hike for broadcasters

  12. The Namibian

    Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia published proposal to switch from progressive fee structure to fixed 1.2% of revenue

    Source

    “The regulatory authority published a proposal in the Government Gazette of 24 April, announcing its intention to switch from a progressive fee structure to a fixed one.”

    New levies could sink small radio stations
Society

NAM-CSIRT hosts masterclass on cyber incident handling

The News

Namibia's Cyber Security Incident Response Team held a one-day masterclass on cyber incident handling, response and crisis communication, bringing together systems administrators, security officers, and representatives from government and private sector to strengthen national cyber incident preparedness. Participants gained knowledge on incident detection, response coordination, and recovery, and participated in a tabletop exercise simulating real-world cyber incidents.

19 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 19 October

  1. NAM-CSIRT hosts masterclass on cyber incident handling

    Namibia's Cyber Security Incident Response Team held a one-day masterclass on cyber incident handling, response and crisis communication, bringing together systems administrators, security officers, and representatives from government and private sector to strengthen national cyber incident preparedness. Participants gained knowledge on incident detection, response coordination, and recovery, and participated in a tabletop exercise simulating real-world cyber incidents.

    19 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Saturday 17 October

  1. Cran CEO Nghikembua named CEO of the Year at IPM awards

    Emilia Nghikembua, CEO of the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia, has been named CEO of the Year at the IPM Namibia HR Excellence Awards. Under her leadership, Cran has steered Namibia's sim registration campaign, the rollout of 5G and e-SIMs, and efforts to address cyberattacks.

    17 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Thursday 15 October

  1. NAM-CSIRT hosts cyber incident response masterclass

    The Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team hosted a one-day masterclass on cyber incident handling, response and crisis communication at the Ongwedija Annual Trade Fair during the 9th National ICT Summit, bringing together systems administrators, security officers, communications practitioners and government officials for a practical tabletop exercise simulating real-world cyber incidents.

    15 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Monday 12 October

  1. Namibia must build digital competitiveness through people and infrastructure

    Namibia requires a balanced approach to digital development that combines investment in infrastructure—broadband, spectrum, data centres and reliable electricity—with simultaneous development of human capability through education that cultivates computational thinking, analytical reasoning and problem-solving abilities alongside basic computer skills.

    12 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Saturday 3 October

  1. Cornelia Shipindo appointed NAM-CSIRT Executive Director

    Cornelia Shipindo has been appointed Executive of the Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team (NAM-CSIRT), effective 1 October 2026. She will lead Namibia's national cyber security incident response capability and strengthen the country's resilience against digital threats.

    3 October 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 1 October

  1. Nam-CSIRT appoints Cornelia Shipindo as executive

    The Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team has appointed Cornelia Shipindo as executive, effective 1 October, to oversee the country's national cybersecurity incident response and improve preparedness for cyber threats.

    1 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 30 September

  1. Computational capability essential beyond technology infrastructure alone

    Computational capability—the combined ability of people, institutions and countries to use digital technologies effectively—is as important as technology infrastructure for digital development and AI adoption, according to CRAN's Executive for Engineering & Technical Services. The distinction matters because technology can be purchased but capability must be developed through human capital, skills and expertise.

    30 September 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 28 September

  1. MTC expands 5G service to five additional Namibian towns

    Mobile Telecommunications Limited has connected Grootfontein, Mariental, Okahandja, Otjiwarongo and Tsumeb to its 5G network in the second phase of its rollout, which includes 19 new sites across nine regions and additional capacity in Windhoek and Walvis Bay. The expansion is part of MTC's strategy to increase network capacity and reliability as demand for mobile connectivity grows, with funding also being deployed via the Communications Regulatory Authority's Universal Service Fund to extend coverage to underserved areas.

    28 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 27 September

  1. Public policy debates poorly explained to ordinary Namibians

    An opinion piece argues that three recent Namibian public conversations—on mortgage repayment terms, Telecom Namibia's fibre-leasing deals, and the DigiNam digital infrastructure launch—have been inadequately explained by officials and media, leaving ordinary citizens uninformed rather than confused.

    27 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 22 September

  1. Data services generate N$944m, largest telecom revenue in Q2

    Data services generated N$944 million in revenue during the second quarter of 2026, making it the largest source of income for Namibia's telecommunications sector. Total telecommunications revenue was N$1.9 billion between April and June, a 12% increase from the previous quarter, with mobile data usage rising to 30.8 million gigabytes, an 11% increase from the previous quarter.

    22 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Digital divide now about capability, not just connectivity

    While internet access has expanded globally, including in Namibia, the next challenge is ensuring people possess the capability to use technology productively rather than merely being connected to the internet.

    22 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 21 September

  1. IPC, NEFF seek NDF ransomware attack clarification

    The Independent Patriots for Change and Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters are demanding government answers on a ransomware attack claimed by cybercrime group RansomHouse against the Namibian Defence Force last Saturday. Opposition figures say the incident raises questions about Namibia's cybersecurity preparedness and call for improved defences, coordination, and staff awareness.

    21 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 20 September

  1. Cybercrime group RansomHouse targets Namibian Defence Force

    The cybercrime group RansomHouse has claimed responsibility for a ransomware attack on the Namibian Defence Force on Saturday, threatening to leak confidential information and demanding contact to prevent disclosure of the defence force's data and documents. The attack highlights growing national cybersecurity vulnerabilities as Namibia works toward finalizing cybercrime and data protection legislation.

    20 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 19 September

  1. RansomHouse ransomware attack confirmed in Defence Ministry network

    Namibia's cyber security incident response team has confirmed unauthorised activity in the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs network linked to the RansomHouse ransomware group, which uses encryption and double-extortion tactics threatening to disclose stolen information.

    19 September 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 18 September

  1. Namibia's ICT sector sees N$243m investment in Q2 2026

    Telecommunications investments reached N$243 million in the second quarter of 2026, largely for network expansion and infrastructure, according to CRAN. ICT sector employment grew 3% to approximately 2,210 employees, with mobile broadband subscriptions and internet usage increasing alongside rising cybersecurity risks.

    18 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 8 September

  1. CRAN plans two to three LEO satellite pilot sites

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia is establishing two to three pilot sites to test Low Earth Orbit satellite technology in underserved areas, including commercial and communal agricultural land and a community project. The regulator discussed the proposal with Namibia's four farmers' unions and established a Universal Service Fund in December 2024 to support infrastructure construction in areas lacking telecommunications access.

    8 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

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 →

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