Telecom Namibia has extended Acting Chief Executive Officer Armando Perny’s tenure by six months, reinforcing leadership stability as the state-owned telecommunications operator accelerates its digital transformation strategy.

The extension, effective July 31, will run through Jan. 31, 2027, the company’s board of directors announced. Perny was appointed acting CEO after former Chief Executive Stanley Shanapinda stepped down on July 1.

The board said the extension will ensure continuity as Telecom Namibia advances strategic priorities, strengthens operational performance, and expands reliable telecommunications services across Namibia.

Veteran executive leads transformation

Since assuming the acting CEO role, Perny has overseen day-to-day operations while driving key transformation initiatives across the business.

A telecom industry veteran, Perny has served as Telecom Namibia’s Chief Marketing Officer since April 2019. He also led TN Mobile as Chief Mobile Officer between 2014 and 2022, overseeing mobile operations, retail strategy, customer experience, and marketing.

His appointment followed a broader leadership transition that also saw the departures of the company’s Chief Commercial Officer and Chief Finance Officer.

Beyond executive management, Perny chairs the Commercial and Technical Committees of PowerCom, Telecom Namibia’s infrastructure subsidiary, and has led several strategic projects aimed at modernizing the operator’s network and service delivery.

Digital infrastructure remains a strategic focus

Established in 1992 and wholly owned by the Namibian government, Telecom Namibia operates on a commercial business model, providing fixed-line, mobile, broadband, voice, and data services nationwide.

The operator serves more than 480,000 customers, employs over 1,100 people, and generates annual revenue exceeding NAD1.4 billion ($85.4 million).

Over the past decade, Telecom Namibia has invested significantly in fiber-optic infrastructure, wireless connectivity, and digital services, strengthening network coverage while supporting connectivity for businesses and neighboring landlocked countries.

With demand for high-speed broadband, cloud services, and digital communications continuing to rise across Africa, the company is positioning itself as a key player in Namibia’s digital economy. Perny’s extended leadership provides continuity as Telecom Namibia pursues network expansion, operational efficiency, and long-term growth.