Niël Terblanché
By aligning efforts to create a digital future for the country with its national development goals, Namibia is in the continuous process of positioning itself as a regional leader by leveraging all available technology.
In this regard, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT), hosted yet another high-level engagement at the Namibian Institute of Public Administration and Management (NIPAM) last Thursday.
The event brought together captains of the ICT industry, stakeholders, and experts to discuss pressing challenges and ambitious opportunities for Namibia’s ICT landscape.
Emma Theofelus, while officially inaugurating the event reiterated the transformative potential of technology for national development, while stressing the need to tackle the digital divide and modernise Namibia’s legislative frameworks.
She identified the absence of an ICT professional body and the outdated Communications Act as barriers to progress but assured stakeholders that efforts are underway to address these issues.
Theofelus said that key developments in ICT included the government’s commitment to cybersecurity and digital infrastructure.
She added that the Namibia Cybersecurity Incidence Response Team (Nam-CSIRT), funded under the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), will serve as the nation’s coordinating body for cybersecurity matters.
“The rollout of network towers over the next three years, supported by the Universal Service Fund, is aimed at bridging connectivity gaps in underserved communities,” she said.
Theofelus also detailed advancements in Namibia’s regulatory environment.
“The Data Protection Bill has been submitted for legislative review, while amendments to the Communications Act of 2009 are in progress,” she said.
She added that to operationalise the Electronic Transactions Act, the Electronic Information Systems Management Advisory Council has been inaugurated, with forthcoming regulations on electronic signatures and security accreditation.
According to Theofelus, reduced data roaming charges with Botswana are already in effect, with discussions ongoing with Angola and Zambia to harmonise roaming costs further.
“These measures aim to improve cross-border connectivity and facilitate trade,” she said.
She added that Namibia’s partnership with the African Union in establishing an Internet Exchange Point is set to reduce the costs of all internet traffic exchanges.
Theofelus outlined Namibia’s ambitious digital transformation initiatives, including the implementation of a 5G strategy, revisions to the National Broadband Policy to align with SADC standards, and the advancement of the National Digital Strategy.
“These projects are intended to leverage technology for economic growth, improved service delivery, and job creation,” she said.
Theofelus called on stakeholders to foster collaboration and break operational silos to drive innovation in the ICT sector.
She encouraged entrepreneurs to voice their needs and assured them of the Ministry’s support in unlocking new market opportunities.
Theofelus urged active participation and shared responsibility to ensure technology becomes a force for positive change across Namibia.
