09 DECEMBER 2025- WINDHOEK
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) an advocate
for accessible telecommunication services to all, donated computer
equipment and digital services to the Khomasdal Rossing Library and
Otjomuise Community Library in June 2024, to promote universal access to
information and digital services.
The donations reinforced CRAN’s dedication to digital inclusion and economic
empowerment of all Namibian citizens to benefit from socio-economic
activities, notwithstanding their social status. The donation equipped recipients
with computers and digital services (access to free internet) for a 24-month
period. CRAN visited the libraries to assess the impact that this noble gesture
has had on the two communities.
The Khomasdal Rossing Library, with a capacity of 80-90 users, served a total of
5415 individuals for computer and internet usage during the period January to
November 2025. “The donation brought a huge improvement of services to
the users and community at large, the library only had two functioning
computers with a high demand, the internet now works at high-speed
compared to a previously slow internet” said Ms Jakobina Nghulondo, Senior
Librarian. She added that these services were predominantly utilised by
learners and students from tertiary institutions.
Similarly, Albertina Haindaka, Librarian at Otjomuise Community Library,
pointed out that the inflow of users tripled as a result of improved ICT services.
The library has a capacity of 16 users, however during the period February to
November 2025 it served a total of 12 246 individuals for computer and internet
services. The figures emphasize the communities’ demands and challenges in
accessing ICT services, contrasted to the limited resources. This gap validates
CRAN’s identified need in the community, “we received 3 computers and
internet, before that we did not have internet connection and only had 1
computer. The use of ICT services increased in June 2024 when internet services
were installed” said Ms Haindaka.
Although the library has capacity constraints, with users allocated 1-hour
sessions each, she added that users primarily access ICT services for research,
assignments and online job applications.
In serving her community with passion, Ms Haindaka sets up sessions at the start
of the year to assist students with educational funding applications, which
require access to a computer and internet. Her interaction with users provides
an opportunity to motivate and encourage learners to pursue their studies with
fortitude. The library has thus transformed into a hub of possibilities, bridging
the divide between dreams and actualisation for aspiring students, learners
and the entire community.
To this end, CRAN remains committed to its mandate of providing quality and
affordable access for all citizens to derive the full benefits of ICT’s. The provision
of computers and internet services to tech hubs and e-villages is one of many
initiatives that the authority has embarked upon to equip and empower
communities for tangible outcomes. The two libraires have therefore serviced
over 17 661 community members, providing access to services which were
previously inaccessible and further cementing CRAN’s footprint in the heart of
the community.
ENDS
Issued by:
Ms. Ella-Betty Chapoto
Practitioner: Consumer Relations and Advocacy
Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN)
Tel: +264 61 222 666
Email: Communications@cran.na
DIGITAL SERVICES DONATION: MEASURING IMPACT FOR CHANGE
Thomas Mekondjo Mbenzi
- December 9, 2025
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