Windhoek – Dr Stanley Shanapinda has accepted an appointment as Executive Secretary of the Communications Regulators’ Association of Southern Africa, stepping down from his role as Chief Executive Officer of Telecom Namibia to take up the regional post.
CRASA is the organisation responsible for promoting regulatory harmonisation and cooperation among communications regulators across the Southern African Development Community.
The appointment, announced in Windhoek on Monday, followed a competitive regional recruitment process. 
Dr Shanapinda has led Telecom Namibia since 2021, overseeing a transformation programme that included network modernisation, digital transformation, customer experience improvements, business process optimisation and strategic partnerships. Key initiatives during his tenure included the implementation of the company’s Integrated Strategic Business Plan 2023 to 2027, the introduction of next-generation OSS/BSS systems, the advancement of Fixed-Mobile Convergence initiatives and significant investment in digital infrastructure.
Reflecting on his time at the company, Dr Shanapinda said the experience had been one of privilege.
“It has been a privilege and honour to serve Telecom Namibia, its employees, customers, stakeholders and the people of Namibia. While significant challenges remain across the telecommunications sector, I am proud of the progress achieved collectively in positioning Telecom Namibia for future growth and transformation. I leave with confidence in the Company’s future and in the capable leadership and employees who will continue advancing its strategic objectives,” he said.
He said the CRASA role presented an opportunity to serve the broader region.
“The opportunity to serve as Executive Secretary of CRASA represents a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of digital transformation, connectivity, regulatory cooperation and innovation across the Southern African region,” he added.
The Telecom Namibia Board welcomed the appointment, saying it reflected well on Namibia’s standing in regional telecommunications leadership.
“This appointment reflects positively on Namibia’s growing contribution to regional telecommunications and ICT leadership. As Namibia we look forward to working with Member Regulators, governments, industry stakeholders and development partners to support the region’s digital ambitions,” the Board said.
Dr Shanapinda will work with the Board, shareholder and executive management of Telecom Namibia to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
