Telecommunications in Namibia and Botswana have received a major boost with inauguration of the 14,000km West Africa Cable System (WACS), which promises cheaper and faster Internet connectivity in both countries
The cable will allow Namibia, Botswana and other southern African countries to enjoy super-fast data transmission of over five terabytes per second.
An inaugural event was held recently at Telecom Namibia in Swakopmund, which is one of the 13 bases of the optic-fibre undersea cable between South Africa and Portugal.
Botswana and Namibia have contributed about NAD $320 million (US$38.7 million) each towards the system.
The government of Botswana and the Botswana Telecommunication Corporation BTC funded the project from the Botswanan side, while Telecom Namibia and Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) provided funding from the Namibian side.
Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba said, “This connectivity must be brought to all 13 regions in Namibia. It will not only develop the economy, but will also present opportunities to more Namibians to participate in this economy.”
He added that WACS had reinforced the government’s efforts to make available affordable connectivity to all sectors, including rural communities.
Botswana President Ian Khama said, “The new telecommunication technology will benefit social and economic developments in the country. Internet is also necessary for users to know and understand how the world is progressing to be able to reap the benefits from changes.”
He added that in order for all people to enjoy this technology, it was important to keep it affordable.
