Namibia telecom sector grows as mobile subscriptions reach 2.79 million

Namibia’s telecommunications sector experienced growth in the second quarter of 2026, according to the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN). Active mobile SIM card subscriptions rose by 2% to approximately 2.79 million.

Mobile broadband subscriptions increased by 2%, while total fixed broadband connections grew by 1%. The expansion of fiber connectivity is facilitating a market shift away from legacy infrastructure such as ADSL. Mobile data usage also saw an 11% increase compared to the previous quarter, driven largely by social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and WhatsApp.

Total ICT sector revenue rose by 12% during the quarter, while sector costs increased by 9%. Investment in the sector reached approximately N$243 million, primarily directed toward infrastructure development and network expansion. Additionally, ICT sector employment grew by 3%, reaching roughly 2,210 employees by the end of June 2026.