Namibia to launch groundbreaking electronic ID by 2026

The home affairs ministry has announced the roll-out of Namibia’s first electronic identity card (e-ID), scheduled for launch by July 2026.The move is expected to overhaul identity management and streamline access to both public and private services nationwide.Developed in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and aligned with its model governance framework for digital legal identity, the e-ID initiative is designed to modernise and ultimately redefine Namibia’s civil registration system. The project marks a pivotal shift towards a secure, inclusive and digitally connected society.Recognising the importance of public buy-in, the ministry has launched a nationwide awareness campaign, starting in the Khomas region. Central to this drive is the upcoming Un-Conference on Digital Legal Identity, set for 26 June in Windhoek. The interactive event aims to foster transparent dialogue between citizens and government officials, allowing real-time engagement and feedback.More than 500 community members from across Windhoek’s constituencies are expected to attend, alongside high-level political and administrative figures.“Every innovation brings questions and sometimes fears. That’s why we’re meeting people where they are, communicating openly and early to ensure no one is left behind,” Etienne Maritz, the ministry's executive director, explained. Fact-based conversations In a digital age dominated by misinformation, the ministry and UNDP say their commitment is clear: delivering only accurate, fact-based information to empower citizens and dismantle misinformation before it spreads.The new e-ID is a smart card embedded with a secure microchip, similar to a bank card, containing both biometric and demographic data. The contactless chip ensures quick and secure identity verification across sectors such as healthcare, banking, education, elections and government services.The card promises to significantly curb identity fraud, eliminate duplicate records and strengthen national security. Unlike paper documents, the e-ID is nearly impossible to forge and provides every citizen with a uniquely verifiable and durable form of identification.E-governance boostCrucially, rural communities stand to benefit the most. Mobile verification units will bring services directly to remote areas, cutting down on travel costs and delays while improving access to essential services such as birth registration, voter enrolment, and social grants.The e-ID is not a stand-alone development. It forms the backbone of Namibia’s broader digital ambitions, laying the groundwork for e-government services, enhancing cross-border mobility within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and enabling tech-driven development across sectors.As the July 2026 launch approaches, government is calling on citizens to actively engage, attend information sessions, ask questions, and stay informed. This is more than a technical upgrade; it is a national mission.nikanor@nmh-hub.com.na

Namibia to launch groundbreaking electronic ID by 2026

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-31

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Namibia to launch groundbreaking electronic ID by 2026

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-31

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