CRAN advances digital inclusion
In today’s rapidly evolving digital era, access to information is not just a right; it is also a catalyst for participation, empowerment, and national development. As Namibia deepens its commitment to transparency through the Access to Information Act, 2022, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) stands at the centre of this transformation, bridging policy, technology, and public needs.
CRAN has embraced this responsibility by:
• Publishing regulatory decisions, guidelines, and notices;
• Sharing sector statistics and policy updates;
• Opening digital spaces for public consultations; and
• Improving the visibility and usability of information on its website and social platforms.
Similarly, for countries like Namibia, where digital adoption is rising and policy frameworks are strengthening, the intersection of Access to Information (ATI), digital transformation, and digital inclusion is shaping the future of governance, participation, and development.
CRAN thus sees access to information as a powerful enabler for communities, consumers, and businesses, especially in the digital age. By championing access to information, the Authority is building the foundation for a more empowered, equitable, and digitally connected Namibia.
CRAN’s work has become even more significant as digital platforms reshape how citizens access and consume information, and as the country takes bold strides towards universal connectivity.
Nowhere was this more visible than in the Epinga and Ehomba villages, whose new telecommunications towers were launched on 19 November 2025 and 30 January 2026, respectively, under the Universal Service Fund (USF). The launch of these telecommunications towers stands as powerful examples of CRAN’s commitment to digital inclusion and equitable access. Epinga and Ehomba’s new infrastructure is more than physical structures; it is lifelines for information, opportunity, and connection.
According to the Principal of Shimbode Primary School, Mr Toivo Shilumbu, one of the most notable impacts of the Epinga tower has been its role in enabling the community to engage and share critical information through community WhatsApp groups. This is the story of how CRAN is driving an information revolution, one community and one digital step at a time.
With improved voice and data connectivity, Namibians, including the communities of Epinga and Ehomba, can, among others, access government services online and participate in public information platforms.
These developments demonstrate that access to information is no longer just about transparency and empowerment; it is about dignity, opportunity, and the power to shape one’s own future. Through its efforts, CRAN ensures that access to information is not a privilege for a few, but a right for everyone, no matter where they live.
Jennifer Pogisho is the manager for consumer relations and advocacy at the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN).
