Namibia is taking decisive action to launch a Direct-To-Home (DTH) satellite broadcasting project, a significant investment aimed at reducing the digital divide in the country.
Emma Theofelus, the Minister of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), announced this development while providing a government update following the eighth and ninth Cabinet meetings.
“Cabinet has acknowledged the advancements made in the Direct-To-Home broadcast initiative, which is integral to the digital migration effort and aims to extend radio and television access to citizens in remote and underserved regions,” she stated.
During a briefing at the Government Information Centre (GIC) in Windhoek, Theofelus revealed that the Cabinet has tasked the Ministry of ICT with implementing the project to ensure comprehensive coverage nationwide.
The DTH project is a US$7.35 million collaboration launched in 2025 between the Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) and Intelsat Ventures, a global provider of satellite services.
Having awaited governmental approval since its inception, the project seeks to enhance current coverage levels, which stand at 74.5 per cent for television and 78 per cent for radio, increasing them to 100 per cent within 6 to 7 months.
Designed for the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), this initiative aligns with Namibia’s digital inclusion strategy for 2025–2029 and the objectives of the Sixth National Development Plan. These strategies emphasise enhancing rural infrastructure, promoting digital literacy, delivering 100 per cent of government services online, and cultivating a secure, digitally ready economy.
Notably, approximately half of Namibia’s 3 million residents live in rural areas, underscoring the project’s crucial role in inclusive growth.
