Page 112 - SAMENA Trends - August-September 2025

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

with 5G is exactly what we need in propelling the stated. MTC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that
digitization of enterprise solutions, Internet of Things all Namibians gain access to world-class technology,
(IoT), cybersecurity, cloud computing, and payments, positioning 5G as a key driver of economic growth and
thereby enhancing business operations, efficiency, digital inclusion.
and fostering innovation and scalability,” the company (August 26, 2025) www.techafricanews.com

The Dutch government is taking a vital step towards Council provides both solicited and unsolicited advice
accelerating digitalization with the launch of the NDS on the progress and implementation of the Netherlands
Council. This independent advisory body comprises Digitalization Strategy (NDS). Its members include
14 leading experts in digitalization, along with a representatives from within government as well as
Netherlands chairperson. The council has been established to external experts from academia, knowledge institutions,
support the implementation of the Netherlands and the business community. These external members
Digitalization Strategy (NDS). The NDS is a joint strategy bring expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence,
involving municipalities, provinces, water boards, public cybersecurity, data exchange, cloud technology, and
service providers, and the central government. It aims digital government services.
to strengthen the Netherlands’ digital infrastructure and (September 3, 2025) www.nldigitalgovernment.nl
address social challenges more effectively. The NDS

The Commerce Commission has made its final only way of providing widespread phone and internet
recommendation to the Minister for Media and services. Today, less than a third of rural consumers
Communications that the rural copper network be use copper, and that number continues to decline as
deregulated. Telecommunications Commissioner consumers move to better performing alternatives,”
New Zealand Tristan Gilbertson says that technology has transformed Mr. Gilbertson says. “Most rural consumers can now
rural connectivity over the past two decades and access three alternative technologies that are often
copper regulation is no longer necessary to promote more affordable, better performing, and more reliable
competition. “Rural consumers continue to move than copper,” Mr. Gilbertson says. If agreed by the
off copper and onto cheaper and better performing Minister, deregulation would enable Chorus to start the
alternatives in large numbers. We consider there’s now process of withdrawing copper infrastructure in rural
enough competition in the market to warrant removing areas. “We believe it’s important to have a managed
copper access regulation,” Mr. Gilbertson says. withdrawal process to protect rural consumers during
Under the Telecommunications Act the Commerce any change – similar to the Copper Withdrawal Code
Commission must consider whether copper regulation that has worked well in urban areas,” Mr. Gilbertson says.
is still needed to promote competition. The decision “We encourage Chorus to make clear commitments to
to remove copper regulation sits with the Minister for support consumers through the switch to more reliable,
Media and Communications. "Copper was first regulated effective, and affordable internet and phone options,”
20 years ago when it was a natural monopoly and the Mr. Gilbertson says. (August 21, 2025) www.comcom.govt.nz

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has for the Nigerian telecommunications industry, in Lagos,
launched the 2025 Guidelines on Corporate Governance, said the new framework is not just about compliance
signaling the start of a tougher enforcement era aimed but securing the long-term sustainability of telecom
at enhancing audit standards, risk management, and businesses, networks, and investor confidence. Maida
Nigeria transparency within the country’s telecommunications stressed that corporate governance is no longer a
sector. The telecom industry in Nigeria is currently soft requirement but a strategic necessity for telcos
valued at $9.52 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow operating in an environment defined by cybersecurity
to $11.97 billion by 2030, according to a recent report by threats, energy constraints, climate pressures, and
Mordor Intelligence. As one of the most critical drivers rising customer expectations. He noted that under
of Nigeria’s digital economy, the sector’s exponential the new regime, telecom operators must now ensure
growth has raised the stakes for ethical compliance balanced board structures, enhanced transparency,
and sound corporate governance. Dr. Aminu Maida, the and tighter internal controls. “Board composition must
executive vice chairman of the NCC, at the workshop/ reflect executive, non-executive, and independent
formal launch of guidelines on corporate governance directors with demonstrated expertise in ICT and

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