Bridging the Digital Divide: Community Hubs Bring Internet to Remote Kunene Conservancies

The Community Conservation Fund of Namibia (CCFN), in partnership with the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), has successfully completed and commissioned cutting-edge digital communication systems referred to as Community Hubs in Otjiu-West and Orupembe Conservancies, located in the remote Kunene Region. These hubs are powered by Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) satellite technology, bringing reliable broadband internet access to areas previously beyond the reach of conventional connectivity.

This milestone forms part of the Poverty Oriented Support to Community Conservation in Namibia (POSCCIN) project, which is implemented by CCFN in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through KfW Development Bank.

Connecting the Unconnected

The commissioning of these hubs marks a significant turning point in Namibia’s effort to bridge the digital divide. In places where mobile network coverage is nearly nonexistent, the availability of high-speed internet offering download speeds of up to 20 Mbps will transform how communities manage their natural resources, respond to emergencies, and engage with external partners.

More Than Just Internet Access

While tourism is a key beneficiary, the impact of these Community Hubs extends far beyond the sector. Conservancy management teams can now report and respond to human-wildlife conflict more efficiently, coordinate operations, and share important data with partners and government. Teachers, youth, and entrepreneurs in these remote communities now have access to online learning resources, communication platforms, and business tools, paving the way for broader digital inclusion and participation in Namibia’s growing digital economy.

The systems, which extend WiFi coverage to a radius of approximately 50 meters, depending on surrounding infrastructure, are already making a difference in how communities communicate, work, and plan for the future.