Telecoms revenue hits N$2bn

Namibia’s information and communication technology sector revenue rose 12% to N$1.9 billion in the second quarter of 2026, driven by data dominance and recovering voice services despite slashed capital investment.

The latest industry statistics from the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) show that the sector recorded N$1.9 billion in revenue between April and June, while operating expenses, including salaries and depreciation, amounted to N$1.6 billion.

Data services continued to account for the largest share of telecommunications revenue, generating N$944 million during the quarter.

“Data and SMS revenue remained largely stable in the second quarter of 2026, recording a marginal increase of 1%,” Cran says.

The regulator says data continued to account for the largest share of telecommunications revenue, highlighting its growing importance to the sector.

Voice services recorded a notable recovery during the quarter.

Mobile voice revenue increased from N$112 million in the first quarter to N$138 million in the second quarter, representing a 23% increase.

Cran attributes the increase mainly to domestic voice services.

“In contrast, voice revenue increased significantly by 23% during the quarter, driven mainly by a 29% recovery in domestic voice revenue,” the regulator says.

SMS revenue remained unchanged at about N$31 million.

The increase in sector revenue came despite a sharp reduction in telecommunications capital expenditure.

Companies invested N$183 million in the second quarter, less than half of the about N$414 million recorded in the first quarter.

The decline follows a major investment push earlier in the year, when operators increased spending on network upgrades and universal service roll-out.

“In the first quarter of 2026, telecommunication investment amounted to N$411 million, more than doubling compared to the previous quarter, largely driven by network upgrades and universal service roll-out initiatives.”

MTC accounted for 73% of the investment, followed by Paratus at 14% and Telecom Namibia at 12%.

The information and communication technology (ICT) sector also expanded its workforce during the quarter.

Employment among ICT licensees increased by about 3% to about 2 210 employees by the end of June.

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