Three Southern African nations — Namibia, Botswana and Lesotho — are advancing new initiatives aimed at strengthening domestic and cross-border connectivity.
Namibia’s largest mobile operator, MTC, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Botswana Fibre Networks (BoFiNet), Botswana’s state-owned wholesale fibre provider, to enhance collaboration between the two countries. The agreement establishes a structured framework for cross-border fibre interconnection, capacity exchange and IP transit cooperation.
Central to the initiative is the Buitepos-Ngoma corridor, a strategic transport and communications route linking the two nations. Buitepos and Ngoma are border settlements in Namibia that serve as key transit points for regional trade and infrastructure.
MTC Managing Director Licky Erastus described the corridor as more than a physical interconnection point, highlighting its strategic importance for international expansion. The route provides Namibia with an operational gateway into Botswana’s wholesale ecosystem while reinforcing the country’s role as a regional transit and digital gateway market.
In parallel developments, Lesotho has committed US$24.07 million to strengthen national connectivity and digital infrastructure. The funding, allocated to the Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology, and Innovation, was announced following the National Budget and Development Plan meeting in Maseru.
The investment forms part of Lesotho’s broader digital transformation agenda. Funds will be directed toward modernising public digital systems, upgrading ICT infrastructure across public institutions, strengthening cybersecurity resilience and expanding affordable public internet access points. Particular emphasis will be placed on improving connectivity access for young people and underserved communities.
Together, these developments signal a renewed push across Southern Africa to improve infrastructure, expand digital access and enhance regional integration through strengthened connectivity frameworks.
