Using ICT research to assist policy making and regulation: the case of Namibia

The document describes the use of Research ICT Africa's research and a multi-channel communication strategy to inform Namibian policy-makers and regulators, leading to legislative reform and market liberalization in the telecommunications sector.

• The authors identify three primary barriers to effective telecommunications policy-making and regulation in developing countries: inefficient operators, information asymmetry between regulators and operators, and the failure of regulators to balance the interests of consumers, investors, and competing enterprises.
• In Namibia, ICT research from Research ICT Africa, combined with diverse communication methods—including presentations to the president and Cabinet in 2006, over 80 newspaper articles, 21 magazine articles, six policy briefs, and media interviews—facilitated informed decision-making, market liberalization, and regulatory reform.
• The translation of ICT research into actionable advice for regulators and policy-makers was achieved by maintaining impartiality, researching specific issues for the regulator, providing strategic information to the private sector, and collaborating with journalists.

APA

Vetter,, C. S. (2011). Using ICT research to assist policy making and regulation: the case of Namibia. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/using-ict-research-assist-policy-making-and-regulation-case-namibia

Chicago

Vetter,, Christoph Stork,Tony. Using ICT research to assist policy making and regulation: the case of Namibia. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2011. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/using-ict-research-assist-policy-making-and-regulation-case-namibia.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Vetter, |first1=Christoph Stork,Tony |title=Using ICT research to assist policy making and regulation: the case of Namibia |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=12 July 2011 |url=https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/using-ict-research-assist-policy-making-and-regulation-case-namibia |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{vetter2011using, author = {Vetter,, Christoph Stork,Tony}, title = {{Using ICT research to assist policy making and regulation: the case of Namibia}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2011}, month = jul, url = {https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/using-ict-research-assist-policy-making-and-regulation-case-namibia}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }