The Namibian Cabinet has approved the revised National Broadband Policy and its implementation action plan to address persistent disparities in broadband access across the country.
Emma Theofelus, minister of information and communication technology (ICT), confirmed the approval following a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Speaking at the Government Information Centre (GIC) in Windhoek, Theofelus said the revised policy would address disparities between urban and rural areas, as well as the growing usage gap, affordability challenges, digital skills barriers and rapid technological developments.
“Cabinet then directed the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, to commence with the implementation of the revised National Broadband Policy and its implementation action plan,” Theofelus said.
In addition to bridging the digital divide, the revised policy aims to accelerate internet access and increase minimum data speeds.
The policy, administered by the ICT ministry, was initially launched in 2020.
At the GIC, Theofelus also disclosed that Cabinet had taken note of the governance structure, stakeholder consultations and public engagement measures established to support the implementation of the electronic identity (e-ID) card initiative.
She said Cabinet had further noted that the anticipated launch of the e-ID cards had been postponed from September 2026 to allow for the finalisation of regulations under the Civil Registration and Identification Act of 2024.
A new launch date has yet to be confirmed.
Through the e-ID initiative, Namibia aims to advance digital transformation, strengthen security and improve public service delivery.
The initiative's key objectives include reducing fraud, modernising public services, promoting inclusion and enabling passport-free cross-border travel to neighbouring countries such as Botswana.
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