In a progressive move to enhance cross-border communication and foster regional connectivity, Namibia’s Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, has initiated discussions with her counterparts in Angola, Zimbabwe, and Zambia to harmonize roaming fees.
This initiative seeks to expand affordable access to communication for citizens in border regions and strengthen ties among neighboring nations.
Minister Theofelus disclosed the plan during an address to her ministry staff and stakeholders at an annual meeting, emphasizing the importance of affordable communication in improving lives and driving socio-economic development.
“Our collaboration with Botswana is a testament to our efforts to deliver affordable communication services to all Namibians, which will ultimately have a positive snowball effect on other sectors such as trade, tourism, and general cross-border connectivity,” she stated.
This latest initiative builds on a successful agreement between Namibia and Botswana, which resulted in a reduction of roaming charges to facilitate seamless communication across their shared border. The agreement has been widely praised for boosting accessibility and fostering deeper collaboration between the two countries.
Theofelus envisions extending similar benefits to Namibians living near the borders of Angola, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. She highlighted that affordable connectivity is not just a convenience but a necessity for fostering trade, tourism, and economic integration in the Southern African region.
Regional collaboration on roaming fee reduction aligns with broader efforts to enhance digital inclusivity across Africa. It underscores Namibia’s commitment to advancing communication infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to digital services for its citizens.
If successful, this move could serve as a model for other nations in the region to adopt similar measures, driving further regional integration and cooperation in telecommunications.
The minister’s proactive stance is consistent with Namibia’s strategic vision to harness technology as a tool for development and economic growth.
With digital connectivity playing an increasingly critical role in global economies, Theofelus’s efforts reflect a forward-thinking approach to ensuring Namibia remains competitive in the digital age.
The collaboration agreements with Angola, Zimbabwe, and Zambia are still in development, but the initiative represents a significant step toward creating a digitally inclusive Southern Africa.
