Namibia offers free internet to schools and clinics in underserved areas

29 January 2026

Namibia is making strides in enhancing digital access across the country, with a new initiative that provides free internet to schools and clinics located within coverage areas of recently built towers.

Over the past two years, the Southern African nation has invested approximately N$80 million (US$4.98 million) in nine radio access network towers aimed at improving connectivity in underserved regions.

During an annual Ministerial staff meeting in Windhoek on Monday, Emma Theofelus, Namibia’s Minister of Information and Communication Technology, highlighted this achievement as part of the country’s broader ICT development efforts. She emphasized that the towers are already delivering tangible benefits, with schools and clinics within their coverage receiving free internet service for seven years—an initiative designed to benefit local communities and foster digital inclusion.

“The project is ongoing, and we are expanding our reach to the most remote corners of Namibia,” Theofelus stated, underscoring the government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide.

The minister also urged her team to continue advancing the country’s ICT agenda with boldness and meticulousness. She called for proactive, agile execution of initiatives, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards of performance, transparency, and innovation in their work. Namibia’s focus on expanding connectivity aims to empower citizens, improve service delivery, and support socio-economic development across the nation.