Placido Hilukilwa
THE Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has announced a historic milestone in Namibia鈥檚 digital transformation journey with the introduction of the electronic identity card (e-ID).
According to the MHAISS, the e-ID awareness campaign kicks off next week Thursday.
The e-ID is described as a smart and secure, biometric-enabled document designed to modernise identity management and expand access to essential public and private services.
The introduction of contactless chip IDs was approved by the Cabinet in August 2023. Since then, the Government has been engaged in putting the required infrastructure in place and consulting relevant stakeholders for their input into the initiative. It is aligned with the UNDP鈥檚 Model Governance Framework for Digital Legal Identity, which, according to an MHAISS statement, marks a bold step toward a secure, inclusive, and digitally connected society.
鈥淭his advanced identity card will contain embedded biometric and demographic data, enabling real-time identity verification across sectors such as banking, healthcare, education, elections, and more,鈥 said the Ministry鈥檚 Executive Director, Etienne Maritz.
鈥淭o foster public understanding and trust in this innovation,鈥 he said, 鈥渢he Ministry will commence a nationwide awareness campaign, beginning in the Khomas Region.鈥
As part of the campaign, the MHAISS will host an interactive 鈥淯n-conference on Digital Legal Identity鈥 in Windhoek on Thursday, during which Minister Lucia Iipumbu and the UNDP Resident Representative in Namibia, Alka Bhatia, will engage directly with the public.
鈥淎s expected with any innovation,鈥 said Maritz, 鈥渜uestions and concerns are expected, and the two leaders are committed to addressing them with openness and clarity.鈥
According to Maritz, over 500 community members from Windhoek鈥檚 constituencies, local councillors, political leaders, and administrative officials are expected to attend. He added that, unlike traditional conferences, the 鈥渦n-conference鈥 will promote open dialogue between citizens and government officials, allowing the public to ask direct questions and receive clear, transparent answers.
He outlined the key benefits of the e-ID as being:
Enhanced security through biometric verificationReduction in identity fraud and elimination of duplicate recordsImproved access to government services, especially in rural areasGreater efficiency in service delivery through mobile outreach
He said that the transformation is not just about technology. It is about recognition, dignity, and opportunity for every Namibian. The e-ID will serve as a vital tool for inclusivity, empowering all citizens to access services and participate fully in civic and economic life.
As this transformative rollout begins, all Namibians are encouraged to stay informed through official awareness campaigns, participate in community engagements and events, ask questions, and be part of the conversation.