Staff Reporter
THE Government is in the final stages of enacting the Data Protection and Cybercrime Bills, aimed at protecting citizens’ personal information and online presence.
This was highlighted by the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, at the Eighth National Information and Communication Technology Summit. The three-day event, which started on Monday, 9 September 2024, is taking place in Windhoek, under the theme “Building Resilience to ‘Adapt or Die’ in the Era of Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence (AI).”
“The Government is in the final stages of enacting the Data Protection and Cybercrime Bills while proceeding with efforts to amend, repeal, or replace the current Communications Act to encompass the advancements of the technological space. This important legislation will protect our people’s personal information and their online presence while simultaneously safeguarding our digital infrastructure,” Theofelus explained.
PREPARING FOR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION: Scenes from the Eighth National Information and Communication Technology Summit. Photos: Ministry Information and Communication Technology. 
PREPARING FOR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION: Scenes from the Eighth National Information and Communication Technology Summit. Photos: Ministry Information and Communication Technology. 
PREPARING FOR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION: Scenes from the Eighth National Information and Communication Technology Summit. Photos: Ministry Information and Communication Technology. 
PREPARING FOR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION: Scenes from the Eighth National Information and Communication Technology Summit. Photos: Ministry Information and Communication Technology.
Theofelus also highlighted that Namibia was recently ranked ninth out of 54 African countries by the International Monetary Fund for its readiness to adopt Artificial Intelligence in 2024. This ranking, she said, demonstrates the country’s significant progress in creating the infrastructure and environment needed to harness AI technologies, underlining Namibia’s commitment to keeping pace with the digital era.
However, she stressed that there is still a need for the Government to leverage technology to make services more accessible, efficient, and responsive to citizens’ needs.
“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,” the minister said.
The minister also pointed out that a National Digital Strategy has been developed with local and international partners, aimed at narrowing the digital divide, promoting digital literacy, providing access to citizen-centric digital public services, and creating greater economic opportunities for all Namibians.
“I thus urge public and private institutions to prioritise the digitisation of their services to ensure that the public can access their services from anywhere in the world,” Theofelus added.
