Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus says the government is nearing completion of the Data Protection and Cybercrime Bills and revising the Communications Act to address rapid technological advancements.
Speaking at the 8th National ICT Summit, the Minister said the upcoming legislation aims to safeguard personal information, online presence and digital infrastructure.
The Data Protection and Cybercrime Bills will address crucial aspects of digital security, while updates to the Communications Act will incorporate modern technological advancements.
“Furthermore, the government is in the final stage of enacting the Data Protection and Cybercrime Bills while proceeding with efforts to amend or repeal and replace the current Communications Act to encompass the advancements of the technological space,” she said.
Theofelus further highlighted Namibia’s progress in digital readiness, noting the country’s recent ranking by the International Monetary Fund as ninth out of 54 African nations in AI adoption preparedness.
This achievement reflects the nation’s commitment to integrating AI responsibly and ethically, ensuring transparency and alignment with national values.
“However, integrating AI into our systems and processes presents challenges, including ethical considerations, data protection and the need for regulatory frameworks. As we embrace AI, we must ensure that its deployment is transparent, ethical and aligned with our national values and priorities,” she said.
The Minister also said the National Digital Strategy, developed with local and international partners, will focus on narrowing the digital divide, enhancing digital literacy, and creating economic opportunities for all Namibians.
“Digital technologies are also transforming the way we deliver public services and engage with citizens. From e-governance to digital health and education, these technologies offer new ways to improve service delivery and enhance the quality of life for our people. We must leverage these technologies to make government services more accessible, efficient and responsive to the needs of our citizens,” she said.
Theofelus called for prioritising education and training in digital skills and STEM subjects. She stressed the need for innovation and collaboration between government, industry, and academia to drive research and technology adoption.
“Innovation drives digital transformation and creating an ecosystem that nurtures this from startups to established enterprises, is vital. Collaboration between government, industry and academia is necessary to drive research, development and the adoption of new technologies, fostering a culture of continuous improvement,” she said.
