Gaborone: Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) and Botswana Fibre Networks (BoFiNet) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Gaborone aimed at strengthening cross-border connectivity and digital collaboration between Namibia and Botswana. A media statement issued on Wednesday highlighted that the agreement seeks to enhance regional digital infrastructure and advance socio-economic development within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

According to Namibia Press Agency, under the MoU, the two entities will establish a structured framework for cross-border fibre interconnection, capacity exchange, and Internet Protocol transit collaboration between the two countries. The partnership will also support the strategic Buitepos-Ngoma corridor, a critical route expected to improve network resilience and optimise latency across both nations.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Gaborone, MTC Managing Director Licky Erastus said the agreement aligns with the company's strategic focus on expanding regional connectivity and developing a robust digital corridor. 'This partnership provides the framework guiding our transformation. It aligns with our strategic pillar of expanding our core and building the future through digital infrastructure leadership and ecosystem partnerships, particularly in regional connectivity, international wholesale growth, and digital corridor development,' Erastus said.

Erastus described the Buitepos-Ngoma corridor as a key component of MTC's international expansion strategy. 'It is not merely a physical interconnection point, but an operational gateway into the Botswana wholesale ecosystem, while reinforcing Namibia's position as a transit and digital gateway market,' he added.

BoFiNet acting CEO Keabetswe Segole at the signing ceremony said the partnership must translate into tangible operational outcomes that eliminate bottlenecks and accelerate cross-border interconnection. 'Both institutions share the responsibility to reduce administrative delays that often hinder infrastructure activation and commercial realisation. Technical integration and wholesale arrangements must be implemented efficiently in the mutual interest of both operators and the two countries,' Segole said.

Segole added that the collaboration extends beyond institutional cooperation and carries national strategic significance.