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.
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February 2026
The Namibian
Minister Emma Theofelusannouncedthree network towers in Kavango West will provide free Wi-Fi to schools and health facilities for seven years
Source
“This was announced by minister of information and communication technology (ICT) Emma Theofelus on Monday during a stakeholder engagement at Simanya in the Mpungu constituency.”
Theofeluscalled on authorities toexpedite electrification to ensure communities access online services
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“Theofelus called on the relevant authorities to expedite the electrification process to ensure that local communities can access online services without further delay.”
Information and communication technology minister Emma Theofelussaidministry is not responsible for progress of commissioner appointment
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“Information and communication technology minister Emma Theofelus was approached for comment yesterday on the progress of the appointment, but said the ministry is not responsible for it.”
Minister Emma TheofelussaidKavango West region does not have a single community or commercial radio station
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“Minister of information and communication technology Emma Theofelus says the Kavango West region does not have a single community or commercial radio station, limiting the residents' access to locally-produced content.”
Minister Emma Theofelusstressedimportance of tower infrastructure in transforming communities and driving national development
Source
“Minister of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) Emma Theofelus stressed the importance of this infrastructure in transforming communities and driving national development.”
Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofeluslauncheda network tower at Ehomba resettlement in Epupa Constituency
Source
“THE Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, launched a network tower built under the Universal Service Fund (USF) at Ehomba resettlement in the Epupa Constituency of the Kunene Region, expanding 4G broadband and voice services to the remote community and surrounding public institutions.”
Information and Communication Technology Minister Emma Theofelusnotedcybercrime does not respect borders, and neither can the response
Source
“As Information and Communication Technology Minister Emma Theofelus rightly noted, cybercrime does not respect borders, and neither can the response.”
Information minister Emma Theofeluslauncheda five-year strategic plan at Opuwo for digital transformation
Source
“Information minister Emma Theofelus yesterday launched a five-year strategic plan at Opuwo which provides a guiding framework for the ministry's priorities in advancing Namibia's digital transformation.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.