Minister of Information, Communication and Technology Emma Theofelus on Friday launched the MTC eSIM card in Windhoek, as the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) and Mobile Telecommunications Ltd (MTC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to drive digital transformation in the country’s tourism sector.

The eSIM – short for embedded SIM, drops the need for physical SIM cards. It allows users to activate mobile services remotely, switch between networks effortlessly, and enjoy greater flexibility when travelling or managing multiple profiles.

Theofelus said, connectivity in the modern world is about convenience that is redefined, and in today’s interconnected world, flexibility, adaptability, and seamless connectivity solutions are a necessity. Be it in education and healthcare to commerce and governance sectors, digital access underpins every sector of our economy.

The launch of eSIM technology places the country firmly on the path to universal, secure, and seamless connectivity. 

“The Government of the Republic of Namibia celebrates innovation and especially in the telecommunications industry; innovation means improved customer experience which will result in increased customer satisfaction and overall will mean happier citizens. We encourage operators to innovate to improve the wellbeing of our people by providing the convenience that they deserve,” she said. 

NTB’s chief executive officer, Sebulon Chicalu, expressed that the collaboration will bolster NTB’s initiatives to enhance service quality, boost operational efficiency, and elevate Namibia’s stature as a premier travel destination. 

“The agreement will allow NTB to leverage MTC’s technologies such as 5G, eSIM, Wi-Fi hotspots, mobile applications and VR/AR to supplement our efforts and achieve strategic objectives such as enhancing stakeholder satisfaction and promoting social and economic inclusion in the tourism sector, improving Industry Service Excellence and internal operational efficiency, while enhancing competitiveness,” he said.  

He added that through this strategic partnership with MTC, the travel and tourism sector is set to digitally transform. 

“With better data and insights, we will equip our Tourism Data Management System, allowing NTB to efficiently monitor tourist travel trends, manage tourism levies, and enhance overall service delivery. This MOU will see us achieve enhanced visitor experience, i.e. NTB can provide tourists with seamless connectivity, digital payment options, and smart travel alerts, boosting satisfaction and safety. Through this cooperation, we will increase our global competitiveness and position Namibia as a digitally prepared tourism destination.” 

MTC Managing Director, Licky Erastus, says the telco has the means and stands fit to help NTB.  

“We will leverage our robust network infrastructure to support NTB’s mission of promoting Namibia as a top-tier travel destination,” he said. 

He added that, this is a smart cooperation through which we will be enabling every tourist, local explorer, and every hospitality provider to experience Namibia in a way that is seamless, immersive, and digitally empowered. From smart signage and digital guides to e-SIM-enabled travel packages, we are creating a digital ecosystem that enhances the visitor.