Also known as: minister of information and communication technology · Theofelus · 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 · the Minister of Information and Communication Technology · Minister Emma Theofelus · Information and Communication Technology Minister Emma Theofelus · information minister · MICT minister · Information and Communication Technology Minister
Minister criticised for stating pensioners bear responsibility for protecting themselves against online scams; halted information commissioner recruitment citing insufficient stakeholder consultation.
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia rejected Starlink's application for an operating licence after the company failed three of six required criteria, including local ownership requirements (51% local stake), regulatory compliance, and legal standards. Cran found that Starlink is entirely foreign-owned, had previously operated without a valid licence, and ignored compliance concerns raised by the authority.
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia rejected Starlink's application for an operating licence after the company failed three of six required criteria, including local ownership requirements (51% local stake), regulatory compliance, and legal standards. Cran found that Starlink is entirely foreign-owned, had previously operated without a valid licence, and ignored compliance concerns raised by the authority.
Namibia's Information and Communication Technology Minister Emma Theofelus said the rejection of Starlink's application to provide satellite internet services was lawful and based on regulatory requirements, including the mandatory 51% local ownership rule and national security concerns. The minister noted that Starlink's proposed 100% foreign ownership model raised material regulatory considerations regarding jurisdiction and government oversight, and that the company had also operated unlawfully without a licence.
At least 91 parliamentarians have submitted asset and interest declarations as required under parliamentary standing rules, with MPs disclosing shareholdings in telecommunications, banking, and brewing companies, as well as residential and commercial properties across Namibia. Failure to comply with annual declaration requirements constitutes a breach of parliamentary rules and may result in referral to the Committee of Privileges for disciplinary measures including fines or formal reprimands.
The government rejected Starlink's application to operate in Namibia, with the Communications Regulatory Authority noting the company failed to meet the 51% local ownership requirement and raised concerns over national security and data sovereignty. Though acknowledging Starlink's potential to improve connectivity in remote areas, authorities said compliance with Namibian law remains non-negotiable.
Namibia's transport and ICT ministries have given unregistered e-hailing operators including Yango, InDrive, and Lefa 56 days to obtain public passenger permits or face vehicle impoundment. The requirement follows a meeting between transport minister Veikko Nekundi and operators, with platforms given 28 days to ensure full compliance and the ministries a further 28 days to verify, before enforcement action.
The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation has appointed Menesia Muinjo as its new director general, effective 1 April for a five-year term, replacing Stanley Similo. Muinjo, currently NBC's news and programming chief, is expected to strengthen the corporation's ability to deliver on its strategic business plan and public broadcasting mandate.
The Namibia Film Commission's Film Week brought together filmmakers, students and professionals for workshops and discussions on marketing, distribution and African storytelling. Minister Emma Theofelus emphasised the importance of Africans telling African stories from an African perspective, while NUST announced new courses in digital arts, animation and film production.
E-hailing operators in Namibia have been given 56 days to comply with road transport regulations following a meeting by the Ministers of Information and Communication Technology and Works and Transport. The compliance period includes 28 days for operators to ensure full adherence and an additional 28 days for government verification, with both ministers committed to addressing legislative shortcomings.
NamPost reported progress in strengthening operations and advancing digital transformation at its AGM, declaring an N$8 million dividend to the government. The entity highlighted initiatives under its "Project Sky" digital programme, including digital money transfers and ATM rollouts, while expanding financial services access through its 148 nationwide service points.
Some Swapo members holding full-time government positions as councillors, governors and ministers are allegedly refusing to vacate their party leadership posts, defying a February directive by party secretary general Sophia Shaningwa requiring them to step down to prevent leadership vacuums and operational paralysis. Those refusing include Khomas governor Sam Nujoma (SPYL regional coordinator), Emma Muteka (SPYL district secretary), and Minister Indileni Daniel (party women's council coordinator), though some members have complied with the order.