ICT Ministry and Bank of Namibia Drive Progress on Instant Payment Programme

ICT Ministry and Bank of Namibia Drive Progress on Instant Payment Programme. The Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Hon. Emma Theofelus, met with the newly appointed Governor of the Bank of Namibia, Mr. Ebson Uanguta, to review progress on the implementation of the Instant Payment Programme and deliberate on the outcomes of the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) gap analysis.

The meeting addressed key areas central to Namibia’s digital transformation, including digital identification, digital payments — with emphasis on monetization of online content — and data exchange and sovereignty. Both institutions reaffirmed their shared commitment to collaborate in preparing Namibians for seamless access to Digital Government Services.

Hon. Theofelus emphasized the importance of ensuring that innovation in the digital and financial sectors remains inclusive, while Governor Uanguta highlighted the role of the central bank in safeguarding financial system integrity as new technologies are adopted.

The Instant Payment Programme is designed to modernize Namibia’s financial ecosystem by enabling faster, more secure transactions. Coupled with the DPI gap analysis, the initiative aims to identify areas requiring investment and reform to ensure that digital services are reliable, interoperable, and accessible to all citizens.

As part of implementing the National Digital Strategy, Namibia is accelerating efforts to establish the necessary digital infrastructure, enforce cybersecurity mechanisms to protect personal data, and lay the foundation for a fully developed digital economy. The strategy underscores inclusivity, ensuring that no citizen is left behind as the country advances toward a more connected future.

The collaboration between the ICT Ministry and the Bank of Namibia signals a strong institutional commitment to innovation, resilience, and equitable access to technology-driven services, positioning Namibia to harness the benefits of a digital economy.