The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) and Northern Regional Electricity Distributor (NORED) have signed a five-year memorandum of understanding to coordinate efforts on rural connectivity and digital infrastructure. The non-binding agreement was signed on 25 August 2026 in Ondangwa.
The MoU establishes a framework for information and data sharing, joint planning of rural electrification and broadband initiatives, capacity building, regulatory cooperation and knowledge exchange. It recognises the growing interdependence between electricity supply and communications networks, particularly in underserved areas where power availability directly affects the reliability of telecom infrastructure.
CRAN Chief Executive Officer Emilia Nghikembua said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to closing infrastructure gaps and creating opportunities for communities in rural and underserved regions. By working together, the two institutions aim to improve connectivity, service delivery and socio-economic inclusion.
NORED CEO Silvester Wayiti highlighted the practical benefits of closer coordination, noting that the agreement should unlock efficiencies, support rural development and strengthen the delivery of both electricity and communications services.
One concrete element of the MoU is the inclusion of designated CRAN personnel on NORED’s outage communication platform. This is intended to improve coordination and timely information sharing about planned electricity interruptions that could disrupt communications networks and services.
Namibia continues to face uneven digital access, with rural areas lagging behind urban centres. Reliable power remains a prerequisite for expanding and sustaining broadband and mobile networks. Coordinating the planning of electrification and connectivity projects is seen as a way to reduce duplication, improve efficiency and extend services more effectively to remote communities.
The agreement does not include specific investment commitments, coverage targets or a detailed rollout schedule. Its impact will depend on how the framework translates into joint projects and operational coordination over the five-year period.
For now, the MoU signals a deliberate effort by Namibia’s communications regulator and a key northern electricity distributor to treat power and digital infrastructure as interconnected rather than separate challenges.
