Lahja Nashuuta
Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus has expressed satisfaction with the implementation of programmes that were earmarked for the 2024/2025 financial year.
According to the minister, out of a total budget allocation of N$703 million during the 2024/25 financial year, N$25 million was injected towards its capital projects.
This was to enable the continued construction of our regional offices to bring government services and products closer to the people, she said.
Theofelus revealed that the funds were channelled, among others, towards the construction of the ministry’s Hardap regional office in Mariental, which is envisaged to be completed at the end of July 2025. She noted that the procurement process for the //Kharas and Kunene regional offices is also underway.
The minister said N$80 million of the total budget was allocated to Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) to enhance the quality of its broadcasting services through investments in infrastructure improvements.
Theofelus said the budget made it possible for NBC to acquire advanced equipment for the corporation’s digital transformation efforts.
In terms of ICT development, the minister said an allocation of N$115 million was appropriated during the 2024/25 -2026/27 medium-term expenditure framework period to bridge the digital divide in the unserved and underserved areas.
“So far, a revised Universal Service Report has been published, and the Regulations Prescribing Universal Levy were gazetted in September 2024. Moreover, the identification and physical confirmation of the 28 earmarked sites are completed.
“Following this, a bidding process was duly followed and successful bidders for the rollout of 14 sites for the current financial year were selected and awarded,” Theofelus reveals.
She further reveals that following the government’s allocation of N$20 million towards the establishment of the Namibia Cybersecurity Incidence Response Team (Nam-CSIRT) under the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran), the authority developed the Nam-CSIRT Governance and Operational Framework, pending board approval.
Appropriate hardware and software were received and installed to allow for the automation of core operations. Furthermore, there are concerted efforts to continue to develop international and local partnerships to enhance the Nam-CSIRT cyber security network.
She further reveals that the authority is conducting engagements to build and formalise the Nam-CSIRT constituency through engaging State-Owned Enterprises, Offices, Ministries and Agencies to obtain cyber security contacts to create a constituency database.
“This collaboration will be followed by the setting up of a Cyber Working Group, to foster further cooperation between the Nam-CSIRT and its constituency in building the Namibia cyber ecosystem. To raise awareness of the state of cybersecurity in Namibia, the Nam-CSIRT plans to draft its first report, which will be made available to all stakeholders,” Theofelus said.
With regards to Namibian Film Promotion, the minister expressed worry about piracy and urged all stakeholders to guard against it. “The Namibia Film Commission, together with Multi-Choice Namibia, Bipa, NBC and One Africa Television, launched Partners Against Piracy to protect the rights of content creators and providers,” she said.
The minister revealed that during the second half of the year (June – October 2024), Namibia attracted 34 foreign films to its soil. This boosted the country’s economy in various service sectors to the amount of N$12 million, creating employment for 243 locals.
“Efforts continue to present a viable incentive regime for Namibia, that could make it more competitive besides its breathtaking locations, infrastructure, peaceful democracy, and growing skill set,” she maintained.
She said Namibian films continue to do well beyond its borders. The NFC-funded film ‘Momeya’ won best costume design, make-up, and cinematography at Botswana’s recently ended Bantu Film Festival.