RMB Namibia, a division of First National Bank of Namibia Limited, has provided Telecom Namibia with a N$405 million social loan to support the company’s plan to upgrade its infrastructure and expand connectivity nationwide. 

The seven-year loan will help fund Telecom Namibia’s five-year strategy to improve internet and mobile services, especially in underserved areas. 

Telecom Namibia Chief Executive Officer Stanley Shanapinda said the investment aims to improve access to essential digital services. 

“Telecom’s key objective is to ensure that every citizen can access and use entertainment, communication, information, education, commerce, and online health services through fast, reliable, and affordable internet,” he said. 

Namibia continues to face challenges in internet access and speed. Most regions remain below the national broadband target, while outdated systems and limited fibre networks hinder service delivery. 

The funding will focus on two main projects. These include a fibre-to-the-home rollout to deliver faster broadband, as well as upgrades to mobile networks to improve coverage and capacity. 

RMB Namibia Transactor Leonard Hamunyela said the deal goes beyond financing infrastructure. 

“This partnership with Telecom is more than just financing infrastructure; it is about enabling digital inclusion,” he said. 

He added that better connectivity would help improve access to services and support economic growth. 

The loan has been structured as a social loan, designed to support projects with clear social benefits, such as improving access to telecommunications. 

Shanapinda said Telecom Namibia remains committed to expanding access and improving service quality across the country. 

“Through these continued commitments, Telecom Namibia aims to empower more Namibians with the tools, opportunities, and connectivity needed to thrive in an increasingly digital economy,” he said. 

The investment is expected to help reduce the connectivity gap between urban and rural areas while supporting Namibia’s broader development goals. 

-pmukokobi@nepc.com.na