12 JUNE 2026 – WINDHOEK
As the telecommunications, broadcasting and postal sector continues to
evolve, driven by rapid technological changes, digital transformation, and
increasing demand for connectivity, the role of the Communications
Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) remains pivotal and goes beyond
regulation. The Authority is committed to becoming a digital ecosystem
builder, by shifting to functionality-based regulations. CRAN seeks to become
a digital enabler by improving the adoption of emerging technologies through
the establishment of regulatory sandboxes for new and emerging technologies
and innovation.
What is a Regulatory Sandbox? A regulatory sandbox is when innovators, start
ups, researchers, and established businesses are given a controlled
environment to test their products and services before they roll them out,
supervised by a regulator, under flexible regulations. There are two (2) main
types of sandboxes, a sandbox with regulatory exemptions where contributing
parties are allowed temporary flexibility and exemptions from sector-specific
regulatory requirements to help them test their ideas more easily. The second
is without exemptions, regulators supervise the tests, and businesses can
improve their ideas through constant feedback.
In 2024, the telecommunications sector contributed 2.5 percent to the Gross
Domestic Product (GDP), for 2025 the sector recorded a growth of 10.7
percent in real value added, compared to an increase of 1.9 percent
registered in 2024. The figures show that the sector is an economic enabler
growing in significance, and with the establishment of regulatory sandboxes,
these figures will further increase.
CRAN’s approach to implementing regulatory sandboxes is part of a larger
plan to update the country’s Information and Communication Technology
(ICT) regulations to better support new technologies such as the Internet of
Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and flexible spectrum use. The Authority
will build on the work done in the non-banking financial sector by the Namibia
Financial Institution Supervisory Authority (NAMFISA). The process in the ICT
sector will involve phased testing, with participants undergoing initial, mid
term, and final evaluations to assess compliance and scalability. Additionally,
strong collaboration between the Authority and industry is crucial, as CRAN
aims to work closely with sandbox participants to offer real-time feedback and
adapt regulations as needed. This experimental platform will allow innovators
to enter the market faster, which will accelerate localised job creation for tech
specialists reducing unemployment in the process.
To ensure the smooth implementation of the regulatory sandbox, the Authority
will work closely with industry experts and market participants to develop a
practical and well-balanced policy framework before launching. The
framework will set out how the sandbox will operate, including governance
arrangements, technical and security requirements, and clear guidelines for
testing. It will also outline who can participate, how risks will be managed, and
how the Authority will oversee activities within the sandbox. Once the
framework is finalised, the Authority will proceed with pilot testing.
The aim is to create a safe and structured space where innovators, start-ups,
researchers, and established businesses can test new ideas whether
technologies, services, or business models before bringing them to market. To
achieve this, the framework will further define what can be tested, how data
should be protected, how performance will be assessed, and what reporting
is required. It will also establish clear exit rules once testing is complete.
By launching the ICT regulatory sandbox, CRAN will unlock the untapped
potential of Namibia’s digital sector. With a well-planned sandbox, innovators
will develop solutions to real challenges, by improving healthcare and
education access or boosting farming productivity. It is an ambitious move, but
essential for Namibia to flourish in the digital era. Now is the time to experiment
and grow.
END
Issued by:
Mr. Abraham Eita
Analyst: Market Development
Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN)
Tel: +264 61 222 666
Email: Communications@cran.na
