Namibia fast-tracks cybercrime laws as digital expansion reaches rural areas

Namibia will fast-track long-delayed cybercrime and data protection legislation while expanding digital infrastructure in rural regions, a move the government says is aimed at confronting technology-enabled crime and closing the country's digital divide.

The initiatives were outlined on Monday during the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology's staff meeting.

Consultations on the draft cybercrime bill are set to resume on February 2, following months of delay. The proposed legislation is intended to address a growing range of digital offenses, including online harassment, cyberstalking, image-based abuse and the misuse of deepfake technology, with particular emphasis on crimes linked to gender-based violence.

The ministry says the Data Protection Bill has completed stakeholder consultations and is ready for re-submission to the Cabinet Committee on Legislation, a procedural step required before it can be introduced in parliament. The bill is expected to establish clearer rules governing the collection, storage and use of personal data, an issue that has drawn increasing scrutiny as Namibia expands its digital services.

Alongside legislative reforms, the government is accelerating investment in digital infrastructure, particularly in underserved rural communities. The Universal Service Fund, which supports connectivity projects, has been capitalized with about $5 million over the past two years.

Nine telecommunications towers have already been constructed in rural regions, extending free internet access to schools and health facilities within their coverage areas for seven years. Additional rollout is planned for more remote communities, officials said.

Telecom Namibia has installed approximately 80 mobile sites under its mobile network expansion project and is nearing completion of its fiber-to-the-home program. The launch of fifth-generation, or 5G, services is being rolled out in line with the country's national 5G strategy.

The government also plans to revive the National ICT Summit in 2026 in a redesigned format, incorporating the National Mega Hackathon as part of a broader effort to promote youth-driven innovation and locally developed digital solutions.

Edited by CGTN Africa reporter Marion Gachuhi