Telecom Namibia and Angola Telecom Sign Deal to Boost Regional Connectivity

Telecom Namibia Limited  and Angola Telecom  signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Commercial Terms Agreement (CTA) in Swakopmund, marking a significant milestone in strengthening regional and international digital connectivity along Southern Africa’s west coast.

The agreement formalizes a strategic partnership between the national telecommunications operators of Namibia and Angola, enabling Angola Telecom to access international capacity via Telecom Namibia’s Equiano Subsea Cable landing in Swakopmund, while laying the groundwork for deeper collaboration linked to Angola Telecom’s SARSSy Subsea Cable System.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior government leaders and executives, including the Honourable Emma Theofelus, Minister of Information and Communication Technology of Namibia, Honourable Mário Augusto da Silva Oliveira, Minister of Telecommunications, Information Technology & Social Communication of Angola, the Mayor of Swakopmund, and executive leadership of both telecommunications operators.

Addressing the ceremony, the Honourable Emma Theofelus, Minister of Information and Communication Technology, highlighted the broader regional significance of the agreement:

“This agreement reflects our shared belief that connectivity is no longer a luxury, but a critical enabler of economic growth, service delivery, and regional integration. By leveraging the Equiano Subsea Cable, Namibia is strengthening regional interconnection and laying the foundation for a more resilient and digitally inclusive Southern Africa.”

– Honourable Emma Theofelus, Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Namibia

Also speaking at the signing ceremony, Honourable Mário Augusto da Silva Oliveira, Minister of Telecommunications, Information Technology & Social Communication of Angola, said the initiative marks a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral cooperation between Angola and Namibia. He described the project as “a project of vision and of the future, one that connects infrastructure, integrates markets, and brings peoples closer together,” noting that it would enhance regional connectivity, reinforce communications security, and support the development of a more competitive and resilient digital economy in Southern Africa.

The MOU and CTA establish a commercially sustainable framework governing cooperation between the two operators, including long‑term access to international capacity, shared operational principles, and a milestone‑based commercial structure. The agreement aligns technical ambition with financial and operational responsibility, providing long‑term certainty for both parties.

Telecom Namibia Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Stanley Shanapinda, said the agreement represents the outcome of careful planning and collaborative effort.

“Today’s signing marks the culmination of extensive engagement and negotiation, resulting in a balanced framework that supports long‑term regional connectivity. By leveraging the Equiano Subsea Cable and working in partnership with Angola Telecom, we are strengthening network resilience, expanding international bandwidth, and positioning Namibia as a key digital transit hub for the region.”

– Dr. Stanley Shanapinda, Chief Executive Officer, Telecom Namibia 

For Angola Telecom, the partnership supports its strategic investment in the SARSSy Subsea Cable, a next‑generation fibre optic system designed to enhance Angola’s infrastructure sovereignty, redundancy, and international reach.

Angola Telecom Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Adilson Miguel dos Santos, emphasized the importance of regional interconnection.

“This collaboration with Telecom Namibia enables us to extend the reach and resilience of Angola’s international connectivity. By integrating SARSSy with Equiano through Swakopmund, we are strengthening Angola’s position within the regional digital ecosystem and ensuring scalable, reliable capacity for the future.”

– Mr. Adilson Miguel dos Santos, Chief Executive Officer, Angola Telecom 

The choice of Swakopmund as the point of interconnection underscores the growing role of the Erongo Region as both a physical and digital gateway. Hosting multiple international subsea cable systems, the region supports critical industries including mining, logistics, port operations, fishing, tourism, and energy sectors increasingly dependent on high‑speed broadband.

The agreement is fully aligned with Namibia’s Vision 2030, the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), and the Harambee Prosperity Plan II, which prioritise digital infrastructure as a key enabler of economic growth, service delivery, and industrialization.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration, transparency, and the expansion of resilient digital infrastructure that supports economic integration across Southern Africa.