The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) and the Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC) inked a new agreement to improve their collaboration in the country's fast-growing information and communication technology (ICT) sector.

The two regulators signed an addendum to their Memorandum of Understanding on Tuesday. The move aims to strengthen efforts to deal with unfair competition and protect consumers.

The agreement sets out clearer rules on how complaints will be handled. It also creates a system for joint investigations, information sharing, and coordinated decision-making between the two institutions. Speaking on behalf of CRAN chief executive officer Emilia Nghikembua, executive for ICT Elton Witbooi said the agreement shows a strong commitment to fair competition.

"This addendum reaffirms our shared dedication to building a fair and competitive ICT sector in Namibia. By working closely together, we can better protect consumers and promote innovation," he said.

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He added that the partnership will help the two regulators avoid duplicating work and improve how they address complex competition issues. Witbooi said the new agreement will also improve the speed at which complaints are handled. "The clear procedures in this addendum will help us respond faster to complaints and ensure that stakeholders get fair outcomes on time," he said. The ICT sector in Namibia is growing quickly, with new technologies and services entering the market. This has increased the need for strong cooperation between regulators to ensure fair business practices.

The original agreement between CRAN and NaCC was signed in December 2011. The new addendum builds on that foundation by allowing joint review of cases, advisory support and the creation of joint working committees when needed.

CRAN said the agreement will help strengthen regulation in the ICT sector and support a fair market that benefits consumers, businesses and the wider economy.