Only 56% of Namibians have internet access, prompting a call for increased efforts to achieve universal connectivity, the information minister has said. 

Addressing Namibia’s stance on digital inclusion and accessibility challenges on Thursday in observance of the African Telecommunications/ICT Day, Peya Mushelenga said: “We need to redouble our efforts to ensure we achieve a 100% rate”. 

In a statement to the media, Mushelenga urged stakeholders, both local and international, along with mobile operators, to invest in establishing network towers, particularly in remote areas.

The minister acknowledged that 72% of the African continent lacks access to mobile internet, affecting nearly 200 million people residing in areas without mobile broadband network coverage.

Highlighting challenges in rural areas, the Namibian government disclosed plans to allocate funds in the next financial year for setting up network towers in areas deemed commercially unviable for mobile
operators.

According to Mushelenga, 90% of the population is now covered by broadband infrastructure.  - Nampa