The Namibian government has partnered with LifeLine/ChildLine Namibia to help educate children to online dangers.

In an effort to intensify its fight against cyber crime, with particular focus on protecting the country’s children, Namibia’s Ministry of Information and Communication Technology has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with LifeLine/ChildLine Namibia.

The partnership will collaborate on cyber security awareness and public education, with a special focus on equipping children with the necessary knowledge to navigate the digital world safely, say the pair.

Audrin Mathe, executive director, Ministry of ICT, said LifeLine/ChildLine Namibia would complement the government’s ongoing efforts, as the administration aimed to work with the private sector to shield Namibians from cyber crime.

“Cyber security requires concerted efforts from all sectors. We call on others to join the government in building a cyber-resilient nation,” Mathe said at the MoU signing, held in Windhoek.

Nicolette Bessinger, director of LifeLine/ChildLine Namibia, said the partnership would boost the country’s National Cybersecurity Strategy and Awareness Plan 2022-2027.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes, the Southern African country faced a 40% increase in reported cyber attacks in 2022.

In July, INTERPOL reported it had dismantled an organised group of cyber criminals and had rescued 88 youths that had been forced into conducting scams.