Telecom Namibia and the Usakos Town Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 21 July, marking a significant step to transform Usakos into a smart town, complete with fibre links and 4G connectivity
Telecom Namibia stated that this partnership is poised to accelerate the town’s digital transformation. The initiative promises to deliver enhanced connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and ultimately improve the quality of life for Usakos residents through advanced technological integration.
“The MOU outlines a shared commitment to developing cutting-edge Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure in Usakos. It will focus on delivering a top-tier telecommunication network, opening doors to advanced digital and value-added services,” they added.
The MoU covers key areas of cooperation include rolling out ICT infrastructure that will power the digital transformation of the town for current and future Usakos Town Council developments. This builds on Telecom’s successful partnership with OMDis in Oranjemund, a town also undergoing a smart city transformation.
“The collaboration is a clear testament to our commitment to modernising our telecommunications network and replacing outdated infrastructure. As a strategic partner of this ongoing effort, the Oranjemund project deployed 67.6 km of new fiber routes, adding to our robust national fiber backbone that now spans over 13,000 km across the country,” they explained.
Governor of the Erongo Region, Natalia /Goagoses, empahsised the critical role of collaboration. “Partnerships with entities like Telecom are not just welcomed, they are essential. They lay the foundation for sustainable economic growth, enhance public service delivery, and bring us closer to our vision of a connected, thriving Erongo Region.”
She further highlighted that the MOU is more than a formal agreement; it is a bold, shared commitment to transform Usakos into a smart city and to advance inclusive development throughout the Erongo Region. She also called upon the community to protect vital infrastructure.
“We must jealously guard our telecommunications and national infrastructure against vandalism and theft, as this comes at a huge cost. We will not achieve our goals if this infrastructure is compromised,” she added, affirming her commitment to holding all parties accountable for the MOU’s objectives while also providing full support to ensure their successful fruition.
Telecom Chief Executive, Dr Stanley Shanapinda, said reliable connectivity is at the heart of any smart city. “Our experience in Oranjemund has demonstrated just how critical connectivity is to the success of a smart city ecosystem. We are confident that we are the ideal partner to support Usakos in becoming a digitally advanced, inclusive, sustainable and thriving community,” he stated.
He said this project will set a benchmark for other towns, necessitating closer cooperation between town councils and the ICT sector to ensure smart homes and businesses. “We are positioned and experienced to emulate this success in any other given town, bringing immense value through future-proof fiber technology that promises less maintenance and increased speed capacity,” he added.
Chief Executive of Usakos Town Council, Lesley Grand, said this partnership is a pivotal moment for Usakos. “We are excited to embark on this journey to become a smart city, bringing unparalleled digital opportunities and a higher quality of life to our residents. The investment in fibre infrastructure in Usakos will propel the town’s digital transformation journey, positively impacting sectors such as tourism, industrial development, healthcare, agriculture, SME development, education, and property development,” he said.
Telecom said their commitment to delivering affordable and truly unlimited internet connectivity is evident in their offerings in Oranjemund, a model that will soon be extended to Usakos, and these services provide download speeds ranging from 8 Mbps to 120 Mbps, ensuring reliable access for a wide range of users.
“This partnership with Usakos Town Council underscores our dedication to expanding digital technologies across Namibia, fostering economic growth and enhancing the well-being of our citizens,” they concluded.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Mandisa Rasmeni
Quelle/Source: Namibia Economist, 22.07.2025
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