Namibia Minute.
Monday, 8 June 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 8 June 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

Minister of Information and Communication Technology addressing digital transformation, ICT skills development, and online safety issues affecting Namibian women and youth.

2022-03-192026-06-08
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What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. March 2026

  2. New Era

    Emma Theofelus acknowledged financial constraints

    Source

    “On her part, Theofelus acknowledged the financial constraints, revealing that the government subsidy to NEPC had been reduced by three percent.”

    NEPC invests in skills, innovation

  3. New Era

    Emma Theofelus clarified that the rejection of Starlink's application was above board and in line with Namibian laws

    Source

    “Information and Communication Technology Minister Emma Theofelus yesterday clarified that the process that led to the rejection of an application by Starlink to provide satellite internet services in the country was above board and in line with Namibian laws.”

    Starlink rejection: Legal, national security grounds  …no special treatment, says minister

  4. New Era

    ICT minister Emma Theofelus declared 480 shares in FNB and 360 shares in Namibia Breweries Limited

    Source

    “ICT minister Emma Theofelus declared 480 shares in FNB, 360 shares in Namibia Breweries Limited and 100 shares in Letshego and owns a 770-square-metre residential home.”

    MPs declare assets and interests

  5. The Namibian

    Emma Theofelus said the decision followed a formal assessment under the Communications Act

    Source

    “Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, minister of information and communication technology Emma Theofelus said the decision, published on 23 March, followed a formal assessment under the Communications Act.”

    Namibia rejects Starlink licence over legal and security concerns

  6. The Namibian

    Emma Theofelus said e-hailing operators provide a digital platform contributing to transport sector, making adherence to laws important

    Source

    “Theofelus said e-hailing operators provide a digital platform, contributing to the transport sector and benefiting the public, which is why it is important to ensure they adhere to current laws.”

    Govt threatens to impound vehicles of unregistered e-hailing operators

  7. New Era

    Emma Theofelus, Minister of Information and Communication Technology delivered keynote speech at opening

    Source

    “Emma Theofelus, Minister of Information and Communication Technology, delivered the keynote speech at the opening.”

    From local sets to global screens  … Namibian Film Week sharpens competitive edge

  8. Informanté

    Minister Emma Theofelus convened an urgent meeting with the Minister of Works and Transport

    Source

    “E-HAILING operators in Namibia have been given 56 days to comply with road transport regulations, following an urgent meeting convened by the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, and the Minister of Works and Transport, Veikko Nekundi.”

    E-hailing operators given 56 days to comply with transport regulations

  9. Informanté

    Minister Theofelus highlighted the importance of the e-hailing sector for Namibia and its citizens

    Source

    “Speaking at the engagement, Minister Theofelus highlighted the importance of the sector for Namibia and its citizens.”

    E-hailing operators given 56 days to comply with transport regulations

  10. Informanté

    Emma Theofelus praised the organisation for broadening access to postal and financial services

    Source

    “Theofelus praised the organisation for broadening access to postal and financial services nationwide, noting that its network of 148 service points remains critical, particularly in rural areas where it often serves as the only financial service provider.”

    NamPost reports growth, digital progress at AGM

  11. The Namibian

    Minister Emma Theofelus has vacated her post as information and mobilisation officer for SPYL

    Source

    “Minister of information and communication technology Emma Theofelus has vacated her post as the information and mobilisation officer for the SPYL in the Samora Machel constituency.”

    Swapo leaders refuse to vacate posts despite Shaningwa directive
Politics

Online trolling reduces women's public political participation

The News

Online trolling and harassment are affecting women's political participation in Namibia, with Minister Emma Theofelus noting that many women in politics practice self-censorship by limiting social media engagement. According to political figures, misogynistic attacks aim to undermine women politicians' credibility rather than engage in legitimate political debate, causing them to be more cautious about expressing strong opinions on controversial issues.

Why it matters

Online harassment reducing women's political participation demonstrates how digital abuse undermines democratic engagement and representation.

4 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 4 June

  1. Online trolling reduces women's public political participation

    Online trolling and harassment are affecting women's political participation in Namibia, with Minister Emma Theofelus noting that many women in politics practice self-censorship by limiting social media engagement. According to political figures, misogynistic attacks aim to undermine women politicians' credibility rather than engage in legitimate political debate, causing them to be more cautious about expressing strong opinions on controversial issues.

    4 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 3 June

  1. Telecom Namibia CEO takes SADC regulatory harmonisation role

    Shanapinda, who led Telecom Namibia for six years, has been appointed to lead an organisation responsible for promoting regulatory harmonisation and cooperation among communication regulators in the Southern African Development Community. A new chief executive will be recruited once Telecom Namibia's new board starts on 3 June.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 26 May

  1. Prominent Namibian women leaders discuss personal growth and leadership

    An inaugural 'Inspired By Sessions' public dialogue event will bring prominent Namibian women leaders to Windhoek this Saturday to discuss personal growth and leadership, based on four main principles from the book 'The Four Agreements'. The session will be held at The Barn, Klein Windhoek, from 10h00 to 14h00 for N$300 per person.

    26 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 21 May

  1. Dinapama chief urges procurement focus on local manufacturers

    Dinapama Managing Director David Namalenga has criticized Namibia's procurement practices for enriching importers at the expense of local manufacturers, arguing that tender policies should prioritize job creation and support for local businesses. He called for procurement reform to measure employment impact and warned that constant changes in tender allocation hinder company growth.

    21 May 2026 · New Era →

Monday 18 May

  1. Minister calls for faster digital transformation, skills development

    Information and Communication Technology Minister Emma Theofelus says Namibia cannot delay technology adoption and must advance its digital economy, emphasising the need for collaboration between government and the private sector to equip young people, especially women, with ICT skills. She made the remarks during the launch of the Women in Tech and 2026 National Talent Cultivation Project.

    18 May 2026 · Informanté →

Sunday 17 May

  1. Cabinet approves Green Industries Council for sector development

    Cabinet has officially approved the establishment of the Green Industries Council to guide development of the green industries sector, with a focus on industrialisation, economic diversification and job creation. The Council will be chaired by the Director-General of the National Planning Commission and include ministers from finance, industries, agriculture, environment, trade, urban development, the Attorney-General, and the Bank of Namibia Governor.

    17 May 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Cabinet approves MoUs with Tanzania, Angola, South Africa

    Namibia's Cabinet has approved Memoranda of Understanding with Tanzania on correctional and prison services, with Angola on satellite communications to improve network coverage, and with South Africa on labour relations. The agreements provide for joint projects, training exchanges, and collaborative initiatives across these fields.

    17 May 2026 · Informanté →

Saturday 16 May

  1. Government may launch fourth polio vaccination round if coverage falls short

    If polio vaccination coverage falls below the 80% target, the government may roll out a fourth round of vaccinations. The third round, conducted 27–30 April, achieved 47% coverage in the first two days, prompting the Cabinet to consider door-to-door vaccinations in certain areas if necessary.

    16 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 15 May

  1. Youth centre honours founding president Nujoma with exhibition and mural

    The Physically Active Youth Centre in Windhoek held an event celebrating founding president Sam Nujoma's life and legacy, featuring a photo exhibition curated by participants and the unveiling of a mural portrait created by PAY participants. Alumni testified to how the centre provided access to programmes including cycling, swimming, robotics and other developmental opportunities.

    15 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Minister urges youth to uphold Nujoma's legacy

    Minister of Information and Communications Technology Emma Theofelus has challenged young Namibians to embody the resilience, courage and spirit of resistance demonstrated by founding president Sam Nujoma, speaking at a commemoration event hosted by the Physically Active Youth Empowerment Organisation in Katutura.

    15 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Social media use raises youth confidence and mental health concerns

    Growing social media use among young people in Namibia is raising concerns about its impact on confidence, mental health and online safety. ICT minister Emma Theofelus and children's advocate Ingrid Husselmann warned that young people develop insecurities from comparing themselves to online lifestyles and appearances, and called for responsibility from parents, governments and technology companies.

    15 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 11 May

  1. Cabinet establishes Green Industries Council to replace hydrogen-focused body

    The Cabinet has approved a new Green Industries Council, replacing the Green Hydrogen Council after it ended in February 2025. The council will oversee Namibia's broader green industrialisation agenda, focusing on policy coordination, institutional alignment and investment priorities to accelerate industrialisation, economic diversification and job creation.

    11 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 3 May

  1. Namibia launches 2026 Cybersecurity Incident Management Guidelines

    The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology has officially launched the National Cybersecurity Incident Management Guidelines 2026, a framework designed to strengthen Namibia's cyber resilience and safeguard critical digital infrastructure. The guidelines were developed by the Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team under the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia and launched in Ondangwa, bringing together government, private sector, and civil society stakeholders.

    3 May 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 28 April

  1. Bank Windhoek launches WhatsApp Banking for financial inclusion

    Bank Windhoek has launched a WhatsApp Banking Platform to advance payment modernisation and promote financial inclusion in Namibia. The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology's Executive Director said the platform is the first of its kind, designed to bridge communication and banking and align with the country's national digital strategy.

    28 April 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 27 April

  1. Namibia, Angola sign telecom cooperation agreement

    Telecom Namibia and Angola Telecom have signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Commercial Terms Agreement to strengthen regional digital connectivity, enabling Angola Telecom to access international bandwidth via Namibia's Equiano Subsea Cable landing station in Swakopmund. The agreement aims to enhance cross-border connectivity, improve network resilience, and support development of a more integrated digital economy along Southern Africa's west coast.

    27 April 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 24 April

  1. Cabinet relaxes 200m fishing depth rule for horse mackerel

    The Cabinet has approved a temporary 12-month relaxation allowing wet-landed horse mackerel vessels to trawl within 150m depth in the 200m isobath zone, a conservation area typically protected to preserve juvenile fish and marine ecosystems. The decision comes as the sector faces reduced quotas, with the 2026 total allowable catch set at 197,000 tonnes, down from 208,000 tonnes in 2025.

    24 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 17 April

  1. Namibia's creative industry gains momentum with film projects and new city

    Between April 2025 and March 2026, Namibia attracted 59 foreign film projects and local filmmakers produced 36 films, creating 1,240 temporary jobs and contributing an estimated N$47 million to the economy. The government has approved the establishment of a Film and Creative City and is investing in skills development to position Namibia as a competitive creative hub in Africa.

    17 April 2026 · New Era →

Friday 10 April

  1. Cabinet directs intensified GBV and crime prevention campaigns nationwide

    The Cabinet has instructed the ministries of gender equality and home affairs to urgently intensify nationwide awareness campaigns addressing a "disturbing rise" in murders, which are allegedly linked to insurance schemes, land disputes, and religious beliefs. The government also plans to provide mental health support to inmates and scale up nation-building campaigns to promote social cohesion.

    10 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Cabinet approves Namibia's first film and creative city

    The Cabinet has approved the establishment of Namibia's first film and creative city, expected to generate N$173 million in annual economic activity and create thousands of jobs. The facility will offer film production infrastructure, talent development, and hospitality services to position Namibia as a competitive African hub for creative productions.

    10 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Cabinet prohibits mining at Kunene village of Okoutjete

    Namibia's Cabinet has withdrawn the Okoutjete area in Kunene region from prospecting and mining activities and directed police to patrol and monitor the site to deter illegal mining. The decision reserves the Okoutjete gold occurrence from mining operations under the Minerals Act, subject to consultation with the Environment Ministry.

    10 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 9 April

  1. ICT minister opens MTC marketing indaba on national branding

    ICT minister Emma Theofelus opened the second MTC Branding and Marketing Indaba in Windhoek, emphasising the importance of marketing and branding professionals in shaping Namibia's global image. She called for stronger collaboration across the marketing and advertising sectors to position Namibia competitively as a destination for investment, tourism, talent and products.

    9 April 2026 · New Era →

  2. MTC hosts second marketing indaba with N$4.6m investment

    MTC's Branding and Marketing Indaba, running until 10 April in Windhoek, involves N$4.6 million in investment from delegates and the company. The event, themed 'Marketing From the Heart', brings together marketing experts and aims to build meaningful connections, with government backing branding as key to Namibia's global positioning.

    9 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 5 April

  1. President to appoint eight deputy ministers and new minister

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is expected to announce eight new deputy ministers and appoint deputy defence minister Charles Mubita as minister in the Presidency. The move comes despite her earlier decision to cut ministries and reduce Cabinet size, with critics and analysts warning that some merged ministries may now be too large to function effectively.

    5 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 2 April

  1. NBC receives N$335 million in 2026/27 media budget allocation

    The Information and Communication Technology Minister announced a N$682 million budget for 2026/2027, with the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation receiving N$335.3 million as the largest beneficiary among three state-owned media entities, while Nampa and New Era Publication Corporation saw their allocations reduced to N$22.5 million each.

    2 April 2026 · New Era →

  2. Government allocates N$78 million for ICT infrastructure rollout

    The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology announced a N$682 million budget for the 2026/2027 financial year, with N$78 million dedicated to deploying Radio Access Network sites across remote regions to expand internet coverage. The ministry will also invest N$17.4 million in cybersecurity programmes, including a national digital forensics laboratory and a 24-hour security operations centre.

    2 April 2026 · New Era →

Friday 27 March

  1. NEPC invests in staff training, youth skills amid budget constraints

    The New Era Publication Corporation says it is committed to supporting government initiatives through staff training programmes and youth internships, including a hackathon for innovative problem-solving, while also introducing cybersecurity training and psychological support services. The corporation faces financial challenges after a three-percent cut to government subsidy, but the Information and Communication Technology minister encouraged revenue-building efforts.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 26 March

  1. Cran rejects Starlink licence application citing ownership and compliance failures

    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.

    26 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 25 March

  1. Starlink rejected over ownership rules, national security concerns

    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.

    25 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. At least 91 MPs declare assets and business interests

    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.

    25 March 2026 · New Era →

  3. Namibia rejects Starlink licence bid citing ownership and security rules

    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.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Emma Theofelus — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute