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 advancing Namibia's digital transformation, AI governance, and addressing online harassment of women politicians.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
February 2026
Informanté
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.”
Theofelusemphasizedthat the strategic plan was developed in-house without consultancy support
Source
“Theofelus emphasised that the strategic plan was developed in-house without consultancy support, highlighting the dedication and expertise of the ministry's management and staff.”
ICT minister Emma Theofelussaid the plan wouldexpand digital infrastructure, improve broadband access, strengthen cybersecurity and reduce digital divide
Source
“ICT minister Emma Theofelus said this would expand digital infrastructure, improve broadband access, strengthen cybersecurity and reduce the digital divide, with a particular focus on underserved regions such as the Kunene.”
Information minister Emma Theofelusannouncedbudget cuts of 3% annually for ICT parastatals over three years
Source
“This was revealed by information minister Emma Theofelus on Monday, when she, among others, read the Riot Act to those who have been resting on their laurels.”
Emma TheofeluswelcomedDarren Watkins Jr on his arrival in Windhoek
Source
“The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and minister of information and communication technology Emma Theofelus welcomed the streamer, who arrived in Windhoek yesterday for his Namibian tour after visiting several African countries for the past few weeks.”
Information minister Emma Theofeluslashed out atstaff members who constantly attend workshops and do not show visible improvement
Source
“Information minister Emma Theofelus has lashed out at her staff members who constantly attend workshops and do not show visible improvement or change, saying such funds could be used for infrastructural development.”
Theofelusthreatened to endworkshops if staff do not show visible improvement or gain new skills
Source
“She added that continued workshops would be unnecessary in the absence of visible improvement or change, noting that workshops and training programmes would be reviewed if staff returned without gaining new skills or knowledge.”
Namibia's Ministry of Information and Communication Technology and Swakop Uranium have agreed to explore partnerships to advance digital development, focusing on expanding connectivity, improving infrastructure, and promoting digital inclusion. The discussions highlight the government's challenges in deploying telecommunications infrastructure in areas without reliable electricity supply.
Namibia's Ministry of Information and Communication Technology and Swakop Uranium have agreed to explore partnerships to advance digital development, focusing on expanding connectivity, improving infrastructure, and promoting digital inclusion. The discussions highlight the government's challenges in deploying telecommunications infrastructure in areas without reliable electricity supply.
Gobabis is conducting a mass clean-up campaign to remove litter from townships ahead of the Miss Namibia pageant on 1 August. The town's leadership attributes the widespread littering problem to resident behaviour and plans to enforce fines against those found dumping rubbish.
The African Development Bank announced N$5.6 billion in funding for Namibia's technical and vocational education and training system and artificial intelligence, with plans to modernise vocational institutions, establish a National Artificial Intelligence Institute, and create 15 000 workplace opportunities by 2030. The Namibian editorial warns that vocational graduates will not be absorbed into the market without fair state tender allocation and faster AI regulation.
Vice President Lucia Witbooi addressed the 2026 Effective Communicators Conference in Swakopmund, urging communicators across Africa to strengthen public trust by promoting accurate information, combating misinformation, and embracing ethical communication as essential for good governance and national development.
Vice President Lucia Witbooi hosted Botswana Vice President Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe at the Port of Walvis Bay to reaffirm commitment to strengthening regional trade and economic integration through the Botswana Dry Port and Trans-Kalahari Corridor.
Minister Emma Theofelus told the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva that Namibia wants AI to be a tool for shared prosperity rather than accessible only to the wealthy, emphasising the need for inclusive digital infrastructure, skills development, and responsible AI governance aligned with Namibia's Digital Transformation Agenda.
Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus called for increased investment in digital infrastructure, skills development, and equitable AI access at a Geneva meeting, emphasizing that developing countries must not be left behind as the world shapes AI governance. Namibia is preparing its national AI governance framework anchored on human-centred governance, public sector innovation, and equitable infrastructure.
Namibia's agriculture minister has implemented a Cabinet decision to increase the penalty levy on bycatch from 15% to 50%, citing alarming increases in bycatch volumes and threats to marine biodiversity. The ministry convened stakeholder consultations in response to some fisheries recording increases of more than 200% in bycatch over the past decades.
Namibia's information ministry has launched the Community Media Policy and Implementation Plan 2026-2030, a framework aimed at strengthening community media as a vehicle for democratic participation, social cohesion and inclusive development, with a focus on addressing information gaps in rural and marginalised communities.
Namibia's Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus visited Angola's newly inaugurated National Data Centre in Camama, Luanda, during the ANGOTIC 2026 conference to study its operations as Namibia advances its own digital infrastructure plans. The visit included briefings on the facility's infrastructure and operations, with discussions between Namibian and Angolan officials on data infrastructure, cloud services, and digital governance.
Telecom Namibia has signed an agreement with Angola's GGPEN to pilot the Angosat-2 satellite to assess its technical performance, service capabilities, and commercial viability for reaching remote communities, lodges, farms, schools, mining operations, and businesses.
The government is considering spending up to N$3 billion to buy a stake in De Beers, reportedly partnering with Angola and Botswana, which already hold 15% of the diamond company. The deal follows Anglo American's decision to exit De Beers and sell its 85% stake, with De Beers' valuation dropping significantly from N$65.7 billion to N$6.9 billion.
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.