Namibia eyes e-governance, banks on youth digital innovation

STAFF WRITER

Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus says Namibia will take a bold step towards digitising government services in future and will pin the digital transformation on young Namibian talent.

Theofelus says the digital governature future will be showcased at the forthcoming Hackathon in October.

“ The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology will host a Mega Hackathon on 15 October 2025. This event will provide a platform for innovators, students and graduates to advance and create digital solutions that solve the national problems, enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of government services,” said.

She added that, “The government recognizes that we must lead the way in digitalisation if we are to create an environment where the private sector can truly thrive. It is of little benefit if businesses modernise their systems, yet cannot seamlessly interface with the Government. If simple permits are still processed manually, and procedures remain lengthy and cumbersome, we will continue to face hurdles in ensuring compliance and efficiency.”

Theofelus made a passionate plea to the Namibian corporate sector to contribute to the success of the Hackathon.

”It is with great enthusiasm that I launch the Mega Hackathon Fundraising, an initiative harnessing the boundless creativity of our young innovators to elevate public service delivery and solve real societal problems across the public sector through digital platforms. This engagement marks the first step and provides an opportunity for all of us to plant a seed in order to realise the hosting of the Mega Hackathon,” she said. 

The ICT minister said the Government’s mission is to empower youth through granting them opportunities to build solutions that solve real-life challenges, simplify citizen access to essential services, digitalize the government services, and drive inclusive innovation.

“A truly digital government has the potential to unlock immense value for our nation. But we also know that digital transformation comes with challenges; including the natural fear of technology and resistance to change. This is precisely why the Mega Hackathon is so important: it will give various government agencies the momentum and practical exposure they need to embrace digitalisation,” she said.