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Wednesday, 21 October 2026
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Wednesday, 21 October 2026
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Namibian press · Person

Emma Theofelus

Also known as: Minister of information and communication technology Emma Theofelus · information minister Emma Theofelus · minister of information and communication technology (ICT) Emma Theofelus · Minister Theofelus · ICT minister Emma Theofelus · Minister Emma Theofelus · Information and Communication Technology Minister Emma Theofelus · Information and Communication Technology Minister Hon. Emma Theofelus · Hon. Emma Theofelus · honourable Theofelus

Emma Theofelus — Minister of Information and Communication Technology, leading AI policy development and government communication strategy.

2022-03-192026-10-21
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News reports

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  1. October 2026

  2. New Era

    Minister Emma Theofelus announced government will soon introduce AI policy for civil servants

    Source

    “Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus announced this at the ongoing 9th National ICT Summit in Ongwediva.”

    Government to introduce AI policy for civil servants

  3. New Era

    Theofelus said OPM and MICT have been directed by Cabinet to develop internal policy on AI use in public service

    Source

    “"On the use of AI in government, I am happy to report that OPM and MICT have been directed by Cabinet to develop an internal policy that guides civil servants on how to use AI in public service and all the guardrails that come with it," Theofelus said.”

    Government to introduce AI policy for civil servants
  4. September 2026

  5. Windhoek Observer

    Minister Emma Theofelus released publicly the figures last week

    Source

    “The figures were presented to Cabinet during its 31st meeting on 22 September 2026 and released publicly last week by minister of information and communication technology Emma Theofelus.”

    Gold purchases reach N$767.7m as Welwitschia Fund returns 9.4%

  6. The Namibian

    Emma Theofelus officially launched the National Artificial Intelligence Institute

    Source

    “Minister of information and communication technology Emma Theofelus officially launched the institute in Windhoek on Wednesday.”

    National AI Institute launched

  7. The Namibian

    Emma Theofelus said the cybercrime and data protection bills were being finalised

    Source

    “In July, minister of information and communication technology Emma Theofelus said the cybercrime and data protection bills were being finalised.”

    Hackers hit NDF: RansomHouse threatens state secrets

  8. Windhoek Observer

    Minister Emma Theofelus argued that the N$5 million target should become a floor

    Source

    “Minister Emma Theofelus correctly argued that it should become a floor.”

    A gala that turned solidarity into action

  9. Windhoek Observer

    Information and Communication Technology Minister Emma Theofelus called for the N$5 million fundraising ceiling to become a floor

    Source

    “Information and Communication Technology Minister Emma Theofelus called for the N$5 million fundraising ceiling to become a floor, urging continued support for the campaign.”

    Cuba solidarity campaign raises N$2.6m…as “mysterious donor” pledges N$17m

  10. The Namibian

    Hon. Emma Theofelus delivered keynote address on Harmonised Government Communication Strategy launch

    Source

    “Keynote address by Hon. Emma Theofelus (MP), Minister of Information and Communication Technology.”

    Hon. Emma Theofelus Launches Harmonised Government Communication Strategy to Strengthen Public Trust and Government Communication

  11. The Namibian

    Hon. Emma Theofelus officially launched Harmonised Government Communication Strategy (2026–2030), Government Corporate Brand Identity Manual, and Government Communicators Forum

    Source

    “It is now my honour and pleasure to officially launch the Harmonised Government Communication Strategy (2026–2030), the Government Corporate Brand Identity Manual (2026–2030) and the Government Communicators Forum of Namibia.”

    Hon. Emma Theofelus Launches Harmonised Government Communication Strategy to Strengthen Public Trust and Government Communication

  12. Windhoek Observer

    Minister Emma Theofelus urged government institutions to communicate with one voice

    Source

    “Information and communication technology Minister Emma Theofelus has urged government institutions to communicate with one voice, saying Namibians do not experience government as separate ministries and agencies but as one state.”

    Theofelus urges government to speak with one voice
Politics

Government to introduce AI policy guiding civil servants

The News

Namibia's government will soon introduce a policy to regulate how civil servants and government institutions use artificial intelligence, with guidelines on responsible use and safeguards for data protection and privacy. The policy, directed by Cabinet and being developed by the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, comes as concerns rise about the safety of personal information in AI systems.

15 October 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 15 October

  1. Government to introduce AI policy guiding civil servants

    Namibia's government will soon introduce a policy to regulate how civil servants and government institutions use artificial intelligence, with guidelines on responsible use and safeguards for data protection and privacy. The policy, directed by Cabinet and being developed by the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, comes as concerns rise about the safety of personal information in AI systems.

    15 October 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 29 September

  1. Gold acquisition project reaches 50% of 600kg target

    Namibia's Gold Acquisition Project had acquired 10,716.90 fine troy ounces of locally produced gold valued at approximately N$767.7 million by early August 2026, reaching 50.6% of its 600-kilogram target. The Welwitschia Fund, Namibia's sovereign wealth fund, recorded a 9.4% return in the first half of 2026, with its market value growing from US$17.94 million at establishment in November 2022 to US$31.3 million by mid-2026.

    29 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Sunday 27 September

  1. Namibia launches National Artificial Intelligence Institute

    Namibia has officially launched the National Artificial Intelligence Institute to boost research, local innovation, youth skills development, and digital public service transformation. The institute comprises a software development centre, datasets centre, AI innovation centre, and research and development centre, and aims to develop national capabilities to understand, adapt, and develop AI solutions locally.

    27 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 21 September

  1. IPC, NEFF seek NDF ransomware attack clarification

    The Independent Patriots for Change and Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters are demanding government answers on a ransomware attack claimed by cybercrime group RansomHouse against the Namibian Defence Force last Saturday. Opposition figures say the incident raises questions about Namibia's cybersecurity preparedness and call for improved defences, coordination, and staff awareness.

    21 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 20 September

  1. Cybercrime group RansomHouse targets Namibian Defence Force

    The cybercrime group RansomHouse has claimed responsibility for a ransomware attack on the Namibian Defence Force on Saturday, threatening to leak confidential information and demanding contact to prevent disclosure of the defence force's data and documents. The attack highlights growing national cybersecurity vulnerabilities as Namibia works toward finalizing cybercrime and data protection legislation.

    20 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 18 September

  1. Cuba Solidarity Gala raises N$2.6 million in Windhoek

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare hosted a Cuba Solidarity Gala Dinner organised with the Namibia-Cuba Solidarity Association, which raised approximately N$2.6 million through ticket sales and pledges to assist Cuba during its economic and humanitarian difficulties.

    18 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Namibia-Cuba solidarity gala raises N$2.6m; mysterious N$17m pledge

    A Windhoek fundraising gala for Cuba raised about N$2.6 million for medical supplies and solar equipment, while Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare announced a separate N$17 million contribution from an unnamed donor. The prime minister's office later declined to clarify details of the N$17 million pledge, stating it was focusing only on the money raised during the gala.

    18 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 11 September

  1. Minister Theofelus launches harmonised government communication strategy

    Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus launched a harmonised government communication strategy aimed at strengthening public trust and improving how government communicates with and listens to citizens. The launch included training for public relations and communications officers at NIPAM on artificial intelligence.

    11 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 10 September

  1. Minister urges government institutions to communicate with one voice

    Information and Communication Technology Minister Emma Theofelus has urged government institutions to communicate as a single state rather than separate ministries and agencies, emphasizing that citizens perceive the government as one entity and that government communication carries significant influence requiring authentic, verified and credible information.

    10 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 3 September

  1. President opens Creative Sport Tourism Expo, emphasizes economic growth

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah opened the Creative Sport Tourism Expo at Hage Geingob Stadium, calling for sport, tourism and creative industries to be connected and leveraged to drive economic growth in Namibia.

    3 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 2 September

  1. Minister calls for accountability after opposition MPs walk out

    Information and communication technology minister Emma Theofelus called for MPs who walked out of the National Assembly on Tuesday to be held accountable, saying such conduct undermines parliament's work and wastes the assembly's time. Opposition MPs walked out during voting on the Electoral Commission of Namibia chairperson nomination, stalling the vote due to lack of quorum.

    2 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 1 September

  1. Namibia launches digital trust system for online document signing

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) has launched DigiNam, a digital trust system enabling Namibians to use verified digital identities and electronic signatures to sign documents and access services online. The system, backed by the Electronic Transactions Act of 2019, supports government services, contract signing, banking, business registration, customer verification, and health or education records management.

    1 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Home affairs minister calls for unified digital identity system

    Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu has called on government to stop requiring citizens to repeatedly prove their identity and carry certified documents between offices, saying digital transformation should eliminate unnecessary queues and duplication through a trusted digital identity system and secure information-sharing between government institutions.

    1 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 31 August

  1. Namibia joins founding members of Global AI Commission

    Namibia has secured a place as a founding member of the AI for Good Global Commission, launched in July by the International Telecommunication Union and chaired by Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff. ICT minister Emma Theofelus said the membership gives Namibia a seat at the global table where AI governance norms and standards are being shaped.

    31 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 25 August

  1. NamPost opens Nkurenkuru branch, donates ICT equipment to Kavango West

    NamPost officially opened its Nkurenkuru Post Office in Kavango West, one of 12 additional service points that brings the institution's total service points nationwide to 148. The postal operator also donated computers, printers and mobile internet subscriptions valued at N$250,000 to community learning centres and libraries in the region.

    25 August 2026 · New Era →

Monday 24 August

  1. NamPost opens Nkurenkuru office, donates ICT gear to communities

    NamPost opened a post office in Nkurenkuru and donated Information and Communication Technology equipment to two community centres in Kavango West to expand access to financial and digital services for rural residents. Minister Emma Theofelus said the move aligns with government's commitment to financial inclusion and the goal of leaving no one behind, noting that financial inclusion rose from 78% in 2017 to 86% in 2025, though rural areas lag at 79.3% compared to 91.7% in urban areas.

    24 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Chula Chula wins Denga Ndaitwah football tournament in Okongo

    Chula Chula FC were crowned champions of the First Gentleman Lieutenant General (Rtd) Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah Annual Sports Tournament after defeating DT Meds on penalties in the football final in Okongo. The three-day tournament from 20 to 23 August brought together about 23 teams competing in youth and legends football, netball and volleyball, with Namibia Correctional Services winning both netball and volleyball titles.

    24 August 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 21 August

  1. Education and IT ministries partner on Namibian film and creative content

    The Ministry of Education and Ministry of Information and Communication Technology signed an MoU to develop Namibia's film and creative sector through the Namibia Content Creation Plan, which includes funding for a National Soap Opera, a television series, and regional short films, with N$17.5 million allocated for these productions and an estimated 470 direct employment opportunities.

    21 August 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 19 August

  1. Government allocates N$17.5m for creative industry job creation

    The government plans to create more than 470 direct employment opportunities in the creative industry through a Local Content Plan rolled out by the Namibia Film Commission, funded by N$17.5 million as part of a broader N$50 million allocation to creative industries programmes.

    19 August 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 18 August

  1. Namibia launches N$17.5m creative sector plan for 470 jobs

    Namibia's government has formalised a N$17.5 million Local Content Plan expected to create approximately 470 direct jobs and support film production across all 14 regions through a memorandum of understanding between the ministries of education, innovation, youth, sports, arts and culture and information and communication technology. The funding will finance a national soap opera, two limited television series, 14 regional short films, and a film production equipment access programme, as part of a broader N$50 million government allocation to creative industries programmes.

    18 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 17 August

  1. Cabinet approves PAMA to manage commercial public assets

    Namibia's Cabinet has approved the establishment of the Public Assets Management Agency of Namibia (PAMA), a state-owned company intended to strengthen transparent and efficient management of the country's commercial public assets. The government's immovable assets are valued at about N$47.4 billion, comprising approximately 9,640 properties including land, housing, clinics, prisons, hospitals, and schools.

    17 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 14 August

  1. Creative Industry Institute shifts focus to economic opportunity

    The Creative Industry Institute Africa, a Namibian non-profit established to map and develop the creative sector, wants Namibia's creative industries treated as a source of businesses, jobs, intellectual property and trade rather than merely as culture. The institute works to connect fragmented parts of the creative economy and strengthen the case for investment and development.

    14 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Cabinet approves petroleum local content policy framework

    Namibia's Cabinet has approved the National Upstream Petroleum Local Content Policy to promote local participation and development in the upstream petroleum sector, focusing on employment creation, local procurement, enterprise development, technology and skills transfer, and increased Namibian ownership and participation.

    14 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 12 August

  1. New Era Publication Corporation reports N$103 million profit

    The New Era Publication Corporation has reported a profit of N$103 million in its previous financial year, representing a turnaround from prior cash-flow challenges. The board chairperson attributed the improvement to the commitment of the board, management, and staff, as well as government assistance including a waiver from the Namibia Revenue Agency.

    12 August 2026 · New Era →

Monday 10 August

  1. Namibia and Botswana plan Trans-Kalahari 4G expansion

    Namibia and Botswana have identified 13 additional telecommunications sites needed to close connectivity gaps along the Trans-Kalahari Corridor, with the infrastructure upgrade estimated to cost about N$52 million. The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on ICT cooperation aimed at strengthening digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital skills.

    10 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Namibia and Botswana sign ICT cooperation agreement

    Namibia and Botswana have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen digital partnership, focusing on digital transformation, cybersecurity, connectivity, and emerging technologies. The agreement, signed by the countries' respective ICT ministers, establishes a framework for collaboration in ICT infrastructure, innovation, digital skills development, and cybersecurity.

    10 August 2026 · Informanté →

Saturday 8 August

  1. Teen rescuer of drowning twins to receive national hero status

    Kornelius Shimwafeni, 16, rescued infant twins from drowning in a pond in the Omusati region in May and will be conferred national hero status by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Heroes Day on 26 August. Shimwafeni, who cannot swim, dived in to save the babies after allegedly seeing their mother throw them into the water.

    8 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 4 August

  1. Namibia achieves first female leadership trio, book explores threats

    Namibia's Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah became the fifth president and first woman to hold the office on 21 March 2025, alongside the country's first woman vice president Lucia Witbooi and first woman speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, making Namibia the first country with women in all three top leadership positions. The article discusses Linda Robinson's book 'Women in Power: Fighting for Democracy in an Age of Authoritarianism', which explores how misogynistic authoritarianism, digital disinformation and sexualised attacks are used to push women out of power.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Six liberation heroes to be reburied at Heroes' Acre

    Six liberation heroes' remains will be exhumed and reburied at the Heroes' Acre on 24 August, officially opening Namibia's 2026 Heroes' Day commemorations under the theme "Built on Bravery, Bound for a Prosperous Future." Two other liberation icons will receive symbolic memorials during the ceremony.

    4 August 2026 · New Era →

Friday 31 July

  1. Cabinet approves mining policy for protected areas

    The Cabinet has approved a new national policy to regulate prospecting and mining in protected areas and other environmentally sensitive zones, balancing mineral development with environmental conservation. Namibia has also been authorised to sign the statute of the African Mineral Development Centre, enabling participation in the African Union agency dedicated to sustainable mineral development.

    31 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Emma Theofelus — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute