Nkurenkuru, February 16 – Information and Communication Technology Minister Emma Theofelus urged stakeholders to collaborate on bridging the region’s digital divide during a high-level engagement at Simanya River Lodge, highlighting new tower constructions and cybersecurity measures as key steps toward Namibia’s National Development Plan Six (NDP6) goals.
Kavango West, one of Namibia’s youngest regions and home to Nkurenkuru’s rich cultural heritage along the Kavango River, faces significant connectivity gaps that hinder education, emergency services, and service delivery. Theofelus emphasized the region’s agricultural and forestry potential, positioning ICT as a gateway to e-agriculture, productivity gains, and market access for local farmers.
Under the government-funded Universal Service Fund, Phase One of a connectivity project has delivered three completed towers: two in Mpungu Constituency (Kundumbu and Owiwi) and one in Tondoro Constituency (Naimanya). These sites await power grid connection from NamPower’s regional arm, NORED, which the minister called on to expedite. Once operational, the towers will provide free Wi-Fi for seven years to nearby schools and health facilities, enabling e-education and e-health services.
Phase Two targets three additional sites one in Musese Constituency and two more in Mpungu with the ministry pledging to identify further unconnected communities in partnership with regional leaders.
Theofelus warned of rising cyber-attacks across Namibia, announcing the full operation of the Namibia Cybersecurity Incidence Response Team (NAM-CSIRT) under the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN). Supported by government funding, NAM-CSIRT coordinates threat responses. Complementary efforts include a National Cybersecurity Strategy rollout with UNICEF and Lifeline Childline Namibia, featuring recent online safety workshops in Kavango West schools. Stakeholder consultations on the Cybercrime Bill have concluded, aiming to define offenses and penalties.
Broadband improvements feature prominently in the reviewed National Broadband Policy, targeting 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speeds on a forthcoming date. Finalized regulations under the Electronic Transactions Act introduce secure electronic signatures to slash costs on printing and manual processing.
To counter natural disasters like droughts and floods, Namibia launched a National Emergency Telecommunications Plan for reliable crisis communication. The ministry is finalizing a Community Media Policy to bolster rural radio stations, promoting sustainability, local languages, and government outreach Theofelus invited regional leaders to establish a functional station in Kavango West.
Decentralization efforts include Government Information Centres (GICs) in all regions, with Kavango West’s studio offering access to NBC TV, radio, and community media. The minister urged regional officials, community leaders, and office heads to use it actively for sharing development updates, alongside upcoming streaming services for government offices. A new Government Communication Strategy will train officers for consistent, credible information flow.
Attendees included Kavango West Governor Verna Sinimbo, Management Committee Chairperson Fillipus Tenga, Chief Regional Officer Matheus Singambwe, and ICT executives, traditional leaders, and media. Theofelus called for “open, constructive discussions” to drive practical outcomes.
