Niël Terblanché
Namibia is preparing to transition to a digital identity system aimed at improving service delivery, unlocking opportunities, and tackling corruption.
Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Lucia Iipumbu addressed the media at the Ministry’s headquarters in Windhoek on Monday.
She praised the ministry and its partners for their efforts in planning the transition to Digital Legal Identity. She called the shift a timely and necessary move for a world that is becoming increasingly digital.
“Let us become champions of Digital Legal Identity in Africa, so others can learn from us,” she said. Iipumbu urged all stakeholders to set clear timelines and practical goals.
The proposed system will allow citizens to use electronic IDs to securely access services in various sectors.
Iipumbu emphasised that adopting Digital Legal Identity is essential in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where technology is reshaping economies and societies. She said the system will not only improve access to services but also fight corruption by ensuring greater transparency and efficiency.
While she welcomed the progress made so far, Iipumbu stressed the need for public engagement before the system is rolled out.
“It is important to create public awareness on the initiative before its implementation, to ensure that citizens welcome and embrace the change,” she said.
During the briefing, several stakeholders, including the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Bank of Namibia, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and private sector institutions, provided updates on the Digital Legal Identity project. Their input gave Iipumbu a comprehensive overview of progress and implementation plans.
The country’s move towards a digital identity system places it among many African nations investing in modern civil registration and identification systems.
Iipumbu stressed the need for urgency, stating that Namibia must set a strong example on the continent by leading the way in Digital Legal Identity.
