Niël Terblanché
Namibia is taking decisive steps to strengthen digital governance and enhance electronic information management with the Electronic Information Systems Management Advisory Council (EISMAC).
During a strategic planning retreat held in Windhoek on Thursday, the minister of information and communication technology, Emma Theofelus, reiterated the critical role the Council plays in shaping Namibia’s digital landscape.
She urged members to set realistic strategies that will guide Namibia in strengthening digital governance.
“You have a mammoth task ahead of you, and I have no doubt in your individual and collective expertise,” she said.
The minister added that the work of EISMAC must ensure the smooth implementation of the Electronic Transactions Act.
The Act, which came into force in March 2020, has paved the way for the regulation of Namibia’s digital economy, with certain sections now being operational.
The Council has been instrumental in the recent development of the Electronic Signature and Accreditation of Security Products and Services Regulations, which underwent public consultation in January 2025.
Theofelus encouraged the Council to provide guidance on fully implementing the Act and to prioritise the establishment of an Online Consumer Affairs Committee to safeguard consumers in the digital marketplace.
“This retreat should provide an opportunity to assess current challenges and strategically plan for the future. I encourage open and active discussions, insightful exchanges, and forward-thinking ideas,” she said.
Recognising the growing reliance on electronic systems in daily life, Theofelus stressed the need for public awareness about the Council’s work.
“From ensuring the security of personal data when using mobile banking applications to improving service delivery in e-government systems such as online vehicle registration or tax filing, the Council’s role directly affects citizens’ trust and confidence in digital services,” she explained.
The minister urged EISMAC to work closely with the Secretariat to ensure that Namibians see tangible benefits from digital transformation efforts.
A key focus of the retreat was nurturing collaboration across sectors to ensure effective digital governance.
Theofelus called for a multi-stakeholder approach, advocating for agility in regulations to encourage innovation.
“Your task is not just technical; it requires practical, solutions-driven interventions that enhance accessibility, efficiency, and trust in the digital space,” she said.
She also pledged its support to the Council in realising its objectives, ensuring that EISMAC operates with the necessary resources and institutional backing.
The minister expressed confidence that the deliberations would lead to impactful outcomes for Namibia’s digital future.
