The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) will table a Data Protection Bill in September 2025, aimed at safeguarding individual rights, strengthening public trust in digital platforms, and creating a safer environment for online business.
Addressing the Anti-Financial Crime Conference in Windhoek, Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, said the legislation would also support innovation by providing clear rules for the ethical use of data.
“The legislation will empower both public institutions and private enterprises to harness technology responsibly, while also ensuring Namibia meets global best practices,” she said.
As part of the same digital transformation drive, the Ministry will introduce electronic signatures by February 2026 under the Electronic Transactions Act of 2019, giving them the same legal standing as handwritten signatures.
Theofelus said this would enable secure, efficient, and legally binding digital transactions while helping to combat financial crime.
“Electronic signatures will be a game-changer in combating financial crime because they will reduce forgery, enhance traceability, and ensure accountability, and with biometric authentication, such as facial recognition or voice signatures, fraud becomes harder to commit and easier to detect,” she said.
She added that the innovation would boost Namibia’s competitiveness in the digital economy by enabling businesses to close deals faster, simplifying cross-border transactions, and improving access to government services. The system is also expected to promote financial inclusion by removing geographical and logistical barriers, allowing even remote communities to participate in formal economic activity.
The Minister also announced the launch of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) readiness assessment report earlier in the week, which evaluates Namibia’s preparedness and key indicators for adopting AI.
She said the government is committed to passing the necessary laws and policies to create an enabling environment for AI to thrive, while also ensuring adequate regulation to protect citizens.
“I am proud of the strides we are making to build a secure digital economy, but technology alone is not enough. No single institution, no single sector, can win this fight alone, and therefore we need a whole-of-society approach, where banks, regulators, law enforcement, civil society, academia, and the media work together,” she said.
