Namibia To Equip Every Citizen With Digital Identity

The NDS aims to link all citizens with the e-government and access services online, from job applications to banking transactions. Namibia h...

The NDS aims to link all citizens with the e-government and access services online, from job applications to banking transactions.

Namibia has a bold vision aiming to establish a digital government by 2030 and equip every citizen with a digital identity (eID) to enhance connectivity and service-delivering efficiency. This ambitious endeavor reflects the nation's commitment to harnessing the power of technology for the benefit of its people.

As Namibia sets its sights on a digital future, the implementation of the National Digital Strategy (NDS) is currently taking center stage. Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus says the ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to drive Namibia's digitalization agenda in alignment with the strategic plan.

Whats eID?

eID stands for electronic identity, which is a government-issued electronic representation of an individual's identity. An electronic identity is used to prove electronically that a person is who they claim to be, enabling them to access various online services securely. eIDs often involve the use of digital credentials, such as usernames, and passwords, and, in more advanced systems, biometric data such as keystroke dynamics, and facial or electronic signatures are employed.

An eID is distinct from a digital identity card, even if in some cases the two concepts could converge. An electronic identity is a means for people to prove electronically that they are who they say they are, and thus gain access to a panel of services. eIDs play a crucial role in modernizing and streamlining processes, reducing the need for physical paperwork, and enhancing the security of online activities. Electronic identity is a key component in the broader digital transformation efforts undertaken by world governments to improve citizen services and facilitate secure online transactions.

The Digital Strategy

With a commitment to building a digital government, the national strategy is spearheaded by information executive director Audrin Mathe. Mathe revealed that the envisioned digital transformation is projected to cost around N$100 million over the next three years. The drafted proposal is currently in the crafting stage, following extensive consultations with end-users and experts in the field, and after that, it will go to the cabinet for further scrutiny. Mathe emphasized that the goal is to gradually roll out the plan, with an initial request for N$20 million from the Ministry of Finance for the upcoming financial year.

Audrin Mathe - Ministry of Information's Executive Director.

“I can tell you now that we are getting to electronic identities [eIDs]. The government already approved that last year. One of the issues that we’re going to resolve is to legally impose e-signatures. At the moment, you can only sign a document [physically]; it’s a word signature. We are the regulators to the national policy, there’s a provision in the law where we want to regulate the issue of e-signatures so that it gives effect to the issue of digital IDs,” he added.

“We have done a lot of work in terms of the digitization process. Your e-passports are in place; e-health, the Ministry of Health has done that; e-justice, the Judiciary has implemented that. That’s why we are giving ourselves sufficient time, but we could achieve that sooner. If you look at the Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPP) target for technology, it is to reach 80%. We have exceeded that by 5%. I am sure by the end of this year, that figure will change too,” Mathe enthused.

Below are the key components of the digital strategy:

Digital Literacy: The NDS focuses on achieving full digital literacy, enabling citizens to interact with the government and access services online. From job applications to banking transactions, the goal is to create a digitally connected Namibia, reducing costs and improving accessibility.

Infrastructure Development: Recognizing the need for widespread connectivity, the strategy aims to enhance infrastructure, ensuring that even remote areas have access to broadcast technology and internet connectivity. The government plans to invest in terrestrial network infrastructure to increase coverage and reduce blind spots.

Services Transformation: At the core of the strategy is the transformation of government services to improve efficiency and cut costs. The protagonists of the digital government highlighted the potential for online processing of job applications and other services, emphasizing the importance of a connected country for seamless interactions. 

eGovernment Services: Namibia envisions a government that operates seamlessly in the digital space, providing citizens with efficient and accessible services. From e-government portals for streamlined administrative tasks to digital communication channels, the goal is to enhance the overall citizen experience.

Universal Digital Identity (eID): At the heart of Namibia's digital revolution is the concept of electronic identities (eIDs). The government aims to provide every Namibian citizen with a unique digital identity, ensuring secure and authenticated access to a myriad of services. This initiative not only enhances convenience but also strengthens the nation's cybersecurity infrastructure.

The idea is to develop a programe that will map a way for Namibia’s trajectory into the digital world, one of our missions is to have a digital government by 2030 - Audrin Mathe.

With the digitization of government services and the implementation of eIDs, Namibia is prioritizing robust cybersecurity measures. Stringent data protection protocols are being put in place to safeguard citizens' information, fostering trust and confidence in the digital ecosystem.

Why are the world’s governments hesitant to implement the Universal ID System that may use biological tokens or electronic for human identification and verification? The fact is that there are some issues surrounding DNA or biometric systems, such as ethical, privacy, and security compromises of accessibility to the stored biodata or metadata. Read more about this.

Namibia has already made strides in digitization, with 75% of schools and 70% of hospitals and clinics having broadband access. The government's efforts have contributed to lowering data bundle costs, positioning Namibia among the top 12 cheapest countries for data in Africa.

Collaborations with the private sector, technology innovators, and international organizations form a crucial aspect of Namibia's digital journey. By fostering partnerships, the country seeks to leverage global expertise, access cutting-edge technologies, and accelerate its digital transformation.

Challenges

While Namibia's pursuit of a digital government is laden with challenges, including infrastructural limitations and the need for extensive digital education, the opportunities it presents are monumental. Namibia faces unique challenges due to its vastness and topography, making infrastructure deployment a complex task. To address this, the government is exploring the use of satellite technology to overcome geographical constraints. By engaging with the governments of India, China, and Dubai, Namibia aims to maximize terrestrial networks and ensure seamless connectivity across the country. 

India's success in leveraging digital technology to provide services to its massive population stands as one of the good examples to follow. Namibia aims to emulate aspects of India's digital system, particularly in implementing electronic identities (eIDs) and legalizing e-signatures to enhance digital IDs for citizens.

Namibia's trajectory into the digital world is a testament to the nation's commitment to progress and inclusivity. By laying the foundation for a digital government and providing electronic identities for all citizens, Namibia is not just embracing the future but actively shaping it. As the journey unfolds, the world watches with anticipation, recognizing Namibia's digital revolution as a beacon of inspiration for the continent and beyond.