Paratus, led by Schalk Erasmus, rolls out Namibia’s first private mobile network

Paratus, the pan-African telecommunications group led by Namibian telecom executive Schalk Erasmus, has launched Namibia’s first private mobile network after investing $34 million. The new system brings a fully integrated LTE and 5G service to the country, skipping older 2G, 3G, and 4G technologies and setting a new benchmark for mobile connectivity.

The announcement came on Tuesday during Paratus’s 20th anniversary celebrations in Windhoek. The network now reaches 50 towns and 80 communities, with special focus on Namibia’s busiest transport routes, including the Windhoek–Oshakati and Windhoek–Noordoewer corridors. It is a key part of the company’s four-year effort to expand digital access nationwide.

Building Namibia’s future with connectivity

Paratus Chairman Barney Harmse said the new investment builds on two decades of work to improve Namibia’s telecom landscape. “Since 2018, we’ve invested more than N$1.417 billion ($80.4 million) to boost coverage and capacity. This extra N$600 million ($34 million) is another step toward helping Namibians embrace a more connected way of life,” Harmse said.

A significant portion of the funds went into developing a digital platform that unites all Paratus services under one system. Built in partnership with UK-based Cerillion and supported by Nokia’s mobile network solutions, the platform streamlines operations and gives customers a smoother, more reliable experience.

Paratus expands reach across Africa

The latest rollout also underlines Paratus Group’s wider ambitions across Africa. The company now operates in 15 countries, employs about 800 people, and delivers satellite services in over 30 markets. It has also invested in the East-to-West Africa fibre route and maintains direct connections from Johannesburg to Europe and the UK.

Since taking over as CEO in 2022, Erasmus has focused the company’s five-year plan on growth and broader customer reach. Paratus aims to add 600,000 new connections by 2028 while reinforcing its position as a provider of integrated network services across the continent. “Our work isn’t only about business results,” Erasmus said. “It’s about building the digital foundations Africa needs for the years ahead.”