The Universal Service Fund (USF) marked a historic milestone with the official launch of the Epinga Tower in the Ohangwena Region on Wednesday, 19 November 2025. Hon. Emma Theofelus, MP, Minister of Information and Communication Technology (MICT), delivered the keynote address at the launch event, emphasizing the monumental step towards inclusive digital connectivity for all Namibians.
In her address, Minister Theofelus extended heartfelt gratitude to the community members and dignitaries present, highlighting the event as more than just the unveiling of infrastructure it represents Namibia’s collective journey toward bridging the digital divide. The Epinga Tower stands as a symbol of progress, inclusion, and empowerment, ensuring that remote and underserved communities gain vital access to communication services, which will unlock opportunities in education, healthcare, economic growth, and social development.
The project aligns strongly with national priorities, reflecting Namibia’s commitment to universal access to Information and Communication Technologies. Minister Theofelus noted that connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity and an essential driver of socio-economic development. The USF Epinga Tower is a concrete step to ensure no Namibian is left behind in the digital age.
The Minister provided an update on the USF program’s phases: Phase one saw the construction of nine 4G towers across key regions, including Kavango East, Kavango West, Oshikoto, Ohangwena, and Kunene, bringing connectivity to thousands previously unserved and offering free 4G voice and broadband services to local schools and clinics. The Epinga site represents the first of these towers to go live.
Phase two involves eleven new sites with an imminent public announcement of site awards. Assessments for Phase three are already underway with the Ministry engaging regional leaders to identify further connectivity needs nationwide.
Minister Theofelus reaffirmed the government’s commitment, with an allocation of N$145 million for digital infrastructure rollout from 2024 to 2027, underlining the urgency conveyed by President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to adopt new governance models and strategies for accelerated growth and digitization.
The impact of improved connectivity was underscored through examples: learners in Epinga can access online study materials; farmers can monitor market prices in real-time; small businesses can expand markets; and clinics can utilize telemedicine capabilities to improve healthcare delivery.
The launch also featured the announcement of additional community support measures, including the donation of twenty smartphones and distribution of one hundred SIM cards to residents, discounted smartphones through Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC), and a mobile service van that will provide ongoing digital literacy support.
Minister Theofelus closed her address by inviting all stakeholders to view the new tower as a beacon of hope and progress, symbolizing a connected Namibia where no one is left behind, and connectivity empowers every citizen to realize their full potential.
