The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) has tabled a N$682 million budget for the 2026/2027 financial year, with a focus on expanding connectivity, strengthening cybersecurity and advancing Namibia’s digital transformation agenda.
Presenting the budget in the National Assembly on Tuesday, ICT Minister Emma Theofelus said the allocation will support the implementation of the National Digital Strategy (2025–2029) alongside the Ministry’s operational requirements.
“As we move onto the business of the day, I wish to inform this august House that the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology received a total appropriation of Six Hundred and Eighty-Two Million Namibian Dollars (N$682,000,000.00) for the 2026/2027 financial year,” she said.
A key priority is expanding digital infrastructure, with N$78 million allocated to roll out mobile network towers in underserved and rural areas. The initiative will target schools and clinics and includes the provision of free public Wi-Fi at these institutions.
Cybersecurity has been allocated N$17.4 million under Programme 1: ICT Development. The funding will support the Namibia Cybersecurity Incident Response Team (Nam-CSIRT), the establishment of a 24-hour Security Operations Centre, national cyber drills and the development of a digital forensics laboratory. The Ministry is also finalising the Cybercrime and Data Protection Bills.
“Together, these initiatives aim to strengthen Namibia’s ability to protect critical infrastructure and information systems. Additionally, the Ministry will continue to implement the National Cybersecurity Strategy and Awareness Raising Plan to promote safer online behaviour and instil a culture of cyber hygiene among citizens,” Theofelus said.
Government communication and public information services will receive N$31.3 million to strengthen awareness campaigns on cybersecurity, responsible social media use, gender-based violence and national identity. The Ministry also plans to expand access to information through local language publications and digital platforms.
The largest portion of the budget, N$452.1 million, has been allocated to Programme 3: Multimedia Services. This includes N$335.3 million for the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), N$22.5 million for the Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA) and N$22.5 million for the New Era Publication Corporation (NEPC). A further N$8 million has been set aside for the Namibia Film Commission to support skills development and growth in the local film industry.
The remaining N$172 million has been allocated to Programme 4: Coordination and Support Services, including N$16 million for the construction and completion of regional offices aimed at improving service delivery across all 14 regions.
