The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) has earmarked significant funding towards the development of Namibia’s ICT sector during the 2026/2027 financial year, with a strong focus on infrastructure rollout, cybersecurity and digital inclusion.

The minister said this while motivating her ministry budget in the National Assembly on Tuesday. She said the ministry has been allocated a total budget of N$682 million to advance its mandate of ensuring universal access to information and communication technologies.

Central to this mandate is the expansion of digital infrastructure, with N$78 million set aside for the deployment of Radio Access Network (RAN) sites across the country.

“These towers will be constructed across various regions to ensure network coverage reaches the most remote areas and to ensure that the most vulnerable are connected to the internet,” she said.

The programme also includes the provision of free public Wi-Fi at identified institutions, aimed at improving connectivity and supporting education and healthcare services.

In addition, N$17.4 million has been allocated to ICT development programmes, which include strengthening cybersecurity through the Namibia Cybersecurity Incident Response Team. 

The minister said funding will support the implementation of the Cybercrime Bill, the establishment of a 24-hour security operations centre and the development of a national digital forensics laboratory.

She further highlighted ongoing efforts to implement the National ICT Policy and National Digital Strategy (2025-2029), which aim to expand digital infrastructure, reduce data costs and strengthen cybersecurity frameworks.

Theofelus said Namibia has already made progress in digital transformation, with fibre network coverage reaching over 18 700 kilometres and mobile network coverage extending to the majority of the population.

The government information services, have been allocated N$31.373 million to coordinate government communication and ensure effective dissemination of policies, programmes and projects through various platforms.

During the 2026/2027 financial year, Theofelus said that the ministry will intensify public education campaigns focusing on the ethical use of social media, cybersecurity, online trafficking, the #EndGBVNamibia initiative, as well as the promotion of national symbols under the Nationhood and National Pride Programme.

-Nampa