THE information and communications technology (ICT) industry on the Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX) index for 2022 reported negative growth, but the sector’s regulator is upbeat about 2023.
This is largely because this year the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) said it would make the 800 MHz and 700 MHz spectrum bands available.
This will allow operators to increase the current population coverage from 85% to 88% without adding any towers reducing the cost to operators and consumers.
“These two spectrum bands will also allow operators to roll out 5G services in addition to 4G services, ensuring the optimal use of the spectrum to foster digital inclusivity throughout Namibia,” says the regulator’s spokesperson, Katrina Sikeni.
Annual data from the NSX shows the Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) and Paratus Holdings reported a negative 16,52%.
This was due to MTC’s share price dropping by 20,9%, while Paratus’ share price grew by 3,4% for 2023.
The two companies closed the year at N$7,04 and N$13,20, respectively.
Average share prices for the year were N$7,61 and N$12,94 per share, respectively.
Sikeni says growth of the Namibian ICT sector is important if Namibia is to become an active knowledge-based society that benefits from the full socio-economic benefits of technology.
There will be improved provision and offering of a variety of affordable services and a wider range of ICT products in 2023, she says.
This will be accompanied by enhanced legislative frameworks pertaining to electronic transactions, postal services, data protection, cybersecurity laws, and the implementation of new regulations for the importation of telecommunications equipment into Namibia.
Other key expectations include the establishment of the Cyber Incident Response Team in the country, with provision for resources to operationalise it.
“We look forward to 2023 and beyond as we strive to fulfil our promise of continuing to contribute to outstanding value creation in driving sustainable economic growth and enabling better healthcare, education, and government services, and, in the process, enriching human society through our regulatory framework,” Sikeni says.
Considering the market trend for the previous five years, the regulator says MTC is expected to continue dominating the market in mobile revenue due to its active subscriber numbers in comparison to that of Telecom Namibia, MTN Business, and Paratus.
“Fixed data revenues are also expected to increase as more people realise the importance of residential fixed internet connectivity, such as ADSL or fibre, to the home after the Covid-19 pandemic,” Sikeni says.
The Equiano undersea cable that landed on Namibian shores will bring about more internet capacity, which could trigger competition among the market leaders due to more capacity for innovation and related services, she says.
The regulator will continue to ensure that consumers are offered fair and affordable prices in terms of ICT products and services, she says.
In a recent report, Green Enterprise Solutions managing director Kehad Snydewel said Namibia needs to digitise a lot of processes to achieve efficiency.
He said a good start could be the digitalisation of records, databases and processes within corporations, small and medium enterprises, as well as in the government and municipalities.
“Implementing electronic digital records management (EDRM) means processes can be sped up and will be easily searchable and retrievable.
“By safely storing this type of data in the Cloud, organisations have access to information wherever they may be located within Namibia or beyond.
“Applying for loans, driving licences, processing insurance claims, and a hundred other things will be made easier and more dynamic with the implementation of EDRM,” Snydewel said.
Cran plans to ensure the provision of services to 95% of the population by 2024 in line with the provisions of the country’s broadband policy.
While the ICT environment is highly complex and challenging, it has made significant strides in making a tangible contribution to all sectors of the Namibian economy, Sikeni says.
“The regulator also plans to do more work in ensuring that telecommunications services are just, reasonable and affordable. We anticipate this would lead to the fast-tracking of digital transformation in Namibia in 2023 and beyond,” she says.
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