The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has announced the renewal of the contract of its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mrs Emilia Nghikembua, for a second term of office, effective from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2030.
In a statement CRAN’s Board of Directors said that the renewal follows the exemplary leadership and outstanding performance demonstrated by Mrs Nghikembua during her first term in office, which ran from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2025.
This renewal reflects the CRAN Board of Directors’ confidence in Nghikembua’s strategic vision, leadership capabilities and steadfast commitment to the advancement of Namibia’s communications sector.
Nghikembua is a legal practitioner with advanced qualifications in law, ICT policy and business leadership. She holds Baccalaureus Juris, Bachelor of Law and Master of Law (cum laude) degrees from the University of Namibia, complemented by a Master of Arts in Information and Communications Technology Policy and Regulation from the University of the Witwatersrand, as well as an Executive Master of Business Administration specialising in business and technology.
An admitted legal practitioner of the High Court of Namibia with extensive experience in the telecommunications sector, CRAN’s Board believes that she is well positioned to lead CRAN in navigating an increasingly complex and evolving digital landscape.
“Since her appointment as CEO, Mrs. Emilia Nghikembua has demonstrated exceptional leadership, spearheading transformative reforms that have propelled Namibia’s telecommunications and broadcasting sectors forward,” said Dr Tulimevava Mufeti, Chairperson of the CRAN Board of Directors.
“Her innovative approach has fostered an environment conducive to sustainable growth, increased competition, and improved consumer services across the country.”
Furthermore, Mrs Nghikembua’s influence extends beyond Namibia’s borders. In 2022, 2023 and 2024, she was respectively ranked among the Top 100 African Economic Leaders by the Institute Choiseul and recognised as one of Africa’s most influential young leaders expected to shape the continent’s economic future.
Additionally, in 2023, she was honoured by the Windhoek Observer as one of Namibia’s 50 Meritorious Individuals in the corporate leadership category.
Her contributions were further acknowledged in 2024 when she was named Young African Leader of the Year by African Leadership Magazine, celebrating her trailblazing efforts in reforming and strengthening Africa’s communications landscape.
“The CRAN Board of Directors commends and congratulates Mrs Nghikembua on the renewal of her contract in recognition of her exemplary dedication, strategic vision and unwavering commitment to Namibia’s digital transformation,” stated Mufeti.
“Her continued leadership is vital to advancing CRAN’s statutory mandates and fostering an inclusive, innovative and resilient communications environment that benefits all Namibians.”
“The CRAN Board looks forward to working with Mrs. Emilia Nghikembua in the coming years to realise the nation’s digital ambitions and to position Namibia as a leading digital hub in Africa.”
In the photo: CRAN’s CEO Mrs Emilia Nghikembua, and CRAN’s Board chairperson Dr Tulimevava Mufeti.
