The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT), recently held a joint briefing for Members of Parliament to outline the rollout of Namibia’s new Electronic Identification Card (e-ID).
The session provided lawmakers with a comprehensive breakdown of the project, focusing on its core security features, implementation timeline, and the key benefits expected for citizens. Officials also addressed public concerns regarding privacy, data protection, and accessibility.
The e-ID initiative is a cornerstone of Namibia’s broader digital transformation and e-government strategy. Designed to replace traditional paper-based and legacy identification systems, the smart card aims to streamline access to public services, reduce administrative friction, and enhance security across civil registries and national institutions.
MPs raised key questions around system security, cyberattacks, service disruptions and backup arrangements, as well as the ownership and control of the technology, particularly where private providers are involved.
Questions were also raised about the proposed Resident Identity Card and how it could address the needs of long-term foreign residents, mixed-status families, children born or raised in Namibia, and people facing challenges with identification and documentation.
Home Affairs officials noted that Cabinet approved an e-ID pilot project in 2023, while the Identification and Authentication Act of 2024 provides the legal and regulatory framework for the initiative.
According to Home Affairs, the e-ID Card is intended to provide secure and reliable identification while supporting Namibia’s transition towards digitally enabled public services.
The briefing forms part of Parliament’s ICT oversight role in ensuring that emerging technologies are properly understood, securely implemented, and aligned with the needs and rights of citizens.
---
Dieser Artikel ist neu veröffentlicht von / This article is republished from: Namibia Economist, 07.10.2026
Bitte besuchen Sie/Please visit:
