ICT sector performance review 2006 : Namibia

Abstract

Namibia’s ICT sector made considerable strives in the last 3 years. However, other comparable countries develop faster. Namibia’s regulatory set-up is to blame for that. There is a clear window of opportunity for Namibia to rapidly increase ICT penetration and catch up with Botswana and South Africa. Namibia needs: - A new telecommunications act; - A forward-looking, resourced and independent regulator for the entire ICT sector; and - Clear policy guide lines for the regulator. Namibia sits in the favourable position of being able to learn from its neighbouring countries and having the opportunity to avoid their mistakes. South Africa’s example of privatisation first followed by liberalisation later has clearly not worked. Namibia can avoid this pitfall by liberalising the market and, only once there is a competitive ICT sector, privatise Telecom Namibia and MTC. By a fortunate confluence of events Namibia has the potential to surpass its neighbours and create a competitive ICT sector, thereby stimulating economic growth, employment creation and social inclusion.