Windhoek: Telecom Namibia (TN) Chief Executive Officer Stanley Shanapinda has been appointed as the Executive Secretary of the Communications Regulators' Association of Southern Africa (CRASA), with his tenure at the state-owned telecommunications company set to conclude on 01 July 2026.
According to Namibia Press Agency, CRASA is based in Botswana and is responsible for promoting regulatory harmonisation and cooperation among communications regulators across the Southern African Development Community (SADC). In a media statement on Tuesday, TN highlighted that Shanapinda has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Telecom Namibia Limited since 2021.
During Shanapinda's leadership, Telecom Namibia embarked on a transformation programme that featured the implementation of its Integrated Strategic Business Plan 2023-2027. This initiative included the introduction of next-generation operational and business support systems, the advancement of Fixed-Mobile Convergence initiatives, and investment mobilisation towards network modernisation and digital infrastructure.
Commenting on his departure, Shanapinda expressed that it had been a privilege and honour to serve Telecom Namibia, its employees, customers, stakeholders, and the people of Namibia. He remarked on the collective progress made in positioning Telecom Namibia for future growth and transformation, expressing confidence in the company's future under its capable leadership.
Shanapinda also noted that the CRASA role presents an opportunity to contribute to the advancement of digital transformation, connectivity, regulatory cooperation, and innovation across the Southern African region. The Telecom Board stated that his appointment reflects Namibia's growing contribution to regional telecommunications and ICT leadership, expressing eagerness to work with member regulators, governments, industry stakeholders, and development partners to support the region's digital ambitions.
At the Telecom Namibia Annual General Meeting held on Monday, Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus confirmed Shanapinda's departure on 01 July 2026, noting that the process had been under way for some time. She extended gratitude to Dr. Shanapinda for his five years of service to Telecom Namibia and the Namibian people. Theofelus also mentioned that the incoming board of directors, set to take office on 03 June 2026, would begin the process of recruiting a new chief executive officer.