Ondangwa – TECHzMagazine – News Desk
In a strategic move to accelerate rural connectivity and digital inclusion, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) and NORED Electricity (Pty) Ltd have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The non-binding agreement, signed on 25 August 2026 in Ondangwa, establishes a formal framework for both institutions to cooperate on infrastructure sharing, data exchange, and coordinated planning. The partnership directly addresses the growing convergence between energy utilities and telecommunications, recognizing that stable electricity is foundational to expanding broadband access across Namibia’s underserved regions.
The collaboration outlines several operational and strategic areas of focus over the next five years, including joint initiatives for rural electrification alongside broadband connectivity deployments. Operationally, the agreement integrates designated CRAN personnel into NORED’s outage communication platform, allowing real-time information sharing regarding planned power outages that could impact telecom networks. The two entities will also focus on regular bilateral consultations, regulatory cooperation, and technical knowledge exchange.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, CRAN Chief Executive Officer Mrs. Emilia Nghikembua emphasized that modern digital economies rely heavily on close coordination with utility providers. She noted that the MoU represents an important milestone in strengthening collaboration between the communications and energy sectors, laying the foundation for improved connectivity, enhanced service delivery, and greater socio-economic inclusion for all Namibians.
NORED Chief Executive Officer Mr. Silvester Wayiti echoed these sentiments, highlighting how integrated infrastructure planning unlocks operational efficiencies for both power and data grids. He stated that reliable electricity and modern communications infrastructure are both critical enablers of economic growth and improved quality of life. According to Wayiti, the agreement creates opportunities for practical cooperation that will help unlock efficiencies, support rural development initiatives, and expedite the delivery of both electricity and communications services.
For the Namibian ICT ecosystem, this cross-sector alliance marks a practical shift toward solving the last-mile connectivity challenge. By tying telecom regulations with power utility operations, the initiative aims to reduce infrastructure deployment costs, minimize service downtime during grid maintenance, and sustainably bridge the digital divide for rural communities and businesses across the country.
