A monthly wrap-up of News Worth Knowing

Namibia’s ICT sector attracts N$1.2bn investment, contributes 2.5% to GDP

The Namibian market has the capacity to sustain more players in the telecommunications sector, according to the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN).

CRAN Chief Executive Officer Emilia Nghikembua said consumers stand to benefit from greater choice as the market opens up. Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) currently dominates Namibia’s mobile sector, holding about 91% of the market share, while Telecom Namibia is another licensed and active operator.

“With the entry of Paratus, consumers now have three options. The moment there is choice, competition improves, leading to better quality and lower prices,” Nghikembua said at a recent event.

Nghikembua added that CRAN’s primary responsibility is to protect the public interest and that the ongoing transformation of the market reflects the success of this mandate.

“The country’s digital landscape is changing, and as new players invest in advanced technologies such as 5G, the benefits must be translated into opportunities for businesses and improved experiences for ordinary Namibians,” she said.

N$20 million plan to commercialise UNAM’s Katima Mulilo mango facility

The University of Namibia (UNAM) plans to expand its fruit and vegetable processing facility at the Katima Mulilo Campus into a fully commercial mango processing plant.

According to Simon Namesho, UNAM’s Manager for Public Relations and Media Operations, the project will require an estimated investment of N$20 million to complete.

“Of the projected amount, 20% will be financed by UNAM while 80% is expected from government. UNAM’s contribution will come in the form of technical expertise in product development, quality control, testing, design and marketing, leveraging its skilled personnel,” Namesho told The Brief.

Namesho explained that the facility will be fully operational during 2025, with expanded capacity expected to come online in the 2026/27 financial year.The expanded plant is expected to supply both domestic and regional markets, with specific ambitions to export dried mango products to international buyers.

Namesho said the project aligns with national goals to diversify exports and strengthen Namibia’s agro-processing sector.He also acknowledged government support for the initiative, noting that UNAM welcomes the endorsement from Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare.

Cyber threats surge as Namibia records over 843,000 attacks

The Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team (NAM-CSIRT), housed at the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), has warned of a sharp rise in cyber threats, recording more than 843,000 events between April and June 2025.

It added that 843,490 cyber events were logged, marking a 224% increase, with nonHTTP sinkhole activity and Botnet infections posing major threats.

Emilia Nghikembua, Head of NAM-CSIRT, said the initiative was “a timely and essential advancement for Namibia’s digital transformation journey.”

She said the surge in threats underlined the urgency for businesses, institutions, and individuals to strengthen cyber defences and adopt proactive security practices.

Namibian beef to feature in 42 German restaurants

Premium Namibian rump steak will be introduced as a monthly special across all 42 Block House restaurants, one of Germany’s leading steakhouse chains, from 20 September 2025.

The agreement was concluded with Eugen Block Holding GmbH, a prominent player in Germany’s hospitality sector, in partnership with South Trade GmbH and Namibian beef producers. The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) played a central role in facilitating the deal.

Block House Chief Executive Officer, Markus Gutendorff, said “We are always looking to offer our guests something special. Namibian beef brings both quality and a compelling story of origin” he said.

Namibia remains the only African country approved to export beef to both the United States and Europe.

Katutura Hospital solar water heating project 20% complete, targeting early finish

The Ministry of Works and Transport says restoration works on the solar water heating system at Katutura Intermediate Hospital are now 20% complete.

“The Ministry of Works and Transport, through the Namibia Engineering Cooperation and Pumps (Proprietary) Limited, commenced vital restoration works on the 12th of August this year. This contract, valued at N$10,269,158.82, has a completion timeline of six months, with practical completion scheduled for the 13th of January next year,” said Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi.

He noted that progress on site has been steady, with all damaged panels removed and handed over to the Ministry of Health and Social Services for proper disposal.