Windhoek: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare on Friday announced a commitment to modernising the public service through the implementation of cutting-edge Information Communication Technology (ICT) across Namibia, aiming to enhance public service delivery nationwide.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Ngurare, during the launch of the 2025-2030 strategic plan for the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) in Windhoek, emphasized the importance of digital transformation in government. He noted that this shift is driven by the necessity to address the growing demand for digital services and to counteract cybersecurity threats.
Ngurare pointed out that current policies supporting digital transformation in government are outdated and require revision to keep pace with technological advancements. He expressed that the initiative is crucial to tackling significant challenges, including the slow progress of digitalisation and automation, which stem from insufficient legal frameworks supporting ICT infrastructure.
He highlighted the absence of a national data centre as a critical issue, resulting in disjointed data management, limited data ownership, and heightened vulnerability to cybersecurity threats. To resolve these issues, Ngurare announced that the OPM, in collaboration with the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) and the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT), will establish a centralised National Data Centre. This centre is expected to provide a secure and strategic foundation for enhanced data governance.
Ngurare also addressed the numerous cyber risks and threats facing the government, which could lead to severe outcomes, such as data leakage and loss. To mitigate these risks, the OPM plans to offer cybersecurity technical support to the public, including guidelines, tools, and increased awareness.
Additionally, Ngurare announced the development of an e-Cabinet system, which will enable members to securely access, review, and manage documents online, promoting a more efficient and paperless process.