Paratus launches Namibia’s first private 5G network

Pan-African telecommunications provider and Africa’s quality network services leader, Paratus Group, has officially launched Namibia’s first private mobile network, offering LTE and 5G technologies

The launch directly challenges the dominance of state-owned operators and coincides with Paratus Namibia’s 20th anniversary, marking two decades of investment in the country and the start of a bold new chapter in digital transformation and mobile connectivity.

Paratus Namibia serves as the cornerstone of the Group’s operations, providing the expertise that fuels innovation and expansion across the wider Pan-African footprint. The company has led the development of extensive infrastructure, including a nationwide fiber network, satellite services, the landing of the Equiano subsea cable, Tier 3 by design data centres, full network solutions, as well as mobile and LEO satellite services.

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Since 2018, Paratus has invested an unprecedented N$1.417 billion (approx. US$75mn) into network infrastructure. In the past year alone, it allocated N$600 million (approx. US$32mn) to establish the new Namibian mobile network, with one third of this funding dedicated to building a digital technology stack that unites all Paratus services into a single, customer-focused platform. Developed in collaboration with Cerillion as the digital technology partner and Nokia as the mobile network partner, the new platform replaces legacy systems and enables a seamless, fully digital customer experience.

With this milestone, Paratus Group reaffirms its position as a long-term investor in Africa’s digital future, delivering full-service networks that empower both businesses and communities with reliable, affordable connectivity.

CEO of Paratus Group, Schalk Erasmus, said, “Connectivity is the backbone of economic growth. Launching Namibia’s first private mobile network is a deliberate step in our mission to transform Africa’s digital landscape. By offering transparent, affordable services, we’re removing barriers and empowering more people to participate in the digital economy. This is also integral to the overriding Paratus passion, purpose and people ethos that we embrace in our culture and expansion plans.

“As we expand across the continent, every investment we make is designed to solve real challenges and open new opportunities. The new mobile service in Namibia is yet another example of that - a private, affordable service that gives customers freedom, control, and confidence in their connectivity.

“This launch marks a defining moment in our journey: a full mobile service going live across Namibia. I want to thank every one of the Namibian team who went the extra mile to make this happen. We're not just launching a product; we're challenging the status quo.”

The Paratus mobile network introduces affordable and transparent data and voice plans, representing a landmark investment in Namibia’s digital future. After more than twenty years in the country, Paratus has evolved from a connectivity provider into a complete digital lifestyle enabler. Offering Voice (VoLTE), Wi-Fi calling, and the fastest digital activation in the market, the service integrates LTE, 5G, fiber, and Sky-Fi wireless solutions to deliver a full ecosystem for personal, home, and business connectivity.

Across Africa, Paratus operates in 15 countries, running the continent’s only fully contiguous network, offering seamless and secure connectivity without coverage gaps. Its East-West Connect route links the continent coast-to-coast, while the Paratus Express Route, powered by the Equiano cable, delivers reliable, low-latency international connectivity from Johannesburg to Europe and the United States. This extensive network footprint enables smooth cross-border connections and simplifies regional partnerships.