Africa-Press – Namibia.
Namibia has forged a strong information and communication technology (ICT) alliance with neighbouring Angola.
This marks a significant step towards enhanced digital cooperation.
As the 5th ANGOTIC 2025 International ICT Forum in Luanda came to an end, Namibian information minister Emma Theofelus underscored the concentrated efforts to solidify bilateral ties.
She said these are poised to unlock substantial opportunities for national development and regional integration.
The minister expressed gratitude for the invitation to Angola and the opportunity to enhance the mutual relationship.
She particularly lauded the swift action in facilitating the signing of an agreement between institutions and agencies under her ministry, specifically the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation and the Namibia Press Agency, with their Angolan counterparts.
“I must thank you wholeheartedly for expediting the signing of agreements between institutions and agencies under our ministry, the national broadcaster and press agency. This has come at an opportune time for Namibia,” Theofelus said.
She said President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s first trip as Head of State to Angola is a testament to the strong relationship shared.
“It is only right that her Cabinet and ministers follow up to further build and strengthen this long-standing relationship and build on the ICT aspect,” Theofelus noted.
The minister pointed to the broad scope of potential collaboration.
She said the impending agreement between the Namibian and Angolan ministries highlights the spectrum of issues that can be achieved.
A key area of interest for Namibia is satellite technology.
“The one on top of my mind is the satellite programme. I must congratulate your government for setting an example in the Southern African Development Community and the continent,” she stated.
Theofelus said upon her return, technical discussions would commence around the agreement to look at the satellite technology aspect and data centre.
“We want to build a public data centre in Namibia as well. We can learn from you, Angola, in that regard,” she stated.
Another area for cooperation is the reduction of roaming fees between Angola and Namibia.
“We believe that it is possible, as we have signed this agreement with Botswana, another neighbouring country,” she added.
Theofelus said businesspeople travelling between the two countries and communities living along the border lines sometimes experience signals crossing over the artificial borders, which is costly.
She noted that there are many trade opportunities that exist between Angola and Namibia.
Hence, telecommunications is an important enabler of these opportunities in addition to existing collaboration and prospects in fibre connectivity.
Angola’s Minister of Telecommunications Mário Oliveira echoed the sentiment of cooperation.
He said together they can improve service delivery for their two countries because the development of Namibia is the development of Angola, and vice versa.
“In some programmes, we can learn from each other. We have satellites, regulations and ICT. This team is ready here to help Namibia and please use it,” he said.
Telecom Namibia CEO Stanley Shanapinda said the company aims to restore traffic flow between Telecom Namibia and Angola Telecom in Ondjiva, which has come to a standstill. He expressed a desire to work on connectivity to Rundu.
“We would love to invest in getting redundant optic fibre between our landing stations to help us secure the coverage between Angola and Namibia,” he added.
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