Namibia to join global internet governance community

WINDHOEK, Sept. 28 – The internet has become an increasingly important platform for not only communicating locally or globally, but also in terms of its role as a platform for meaningful political, social and economic engagement. Minister of Information Communication and Technology (MICT), Tjikero Tweya made these remarks at the Namibia Internet Governance Forum (NamGIF) in Windhoek.

He added: “The Namibian government has initiated the rollout of E-government platforms across strategic state sectors and departments. The Namibian government under the auspices of the Ministry of ICT has also initiated the review of ICT related laws and policies with the aim of installing appropriate legal frameworks towards achieving our national goals in respect of the digital realm.”

The Namibian government has and continues to invest heavily in ICT infrastructure, nationally, regionally and locally.

NamGIF is a multi stakeholder’s platform consisting of government, development organizations, the private sector and media organizations and aims to stimulate and enhance discussion around public policy related to the internet.

“This will enable the state to facilitate that ordinary Namibians can shape their own digital futures. As you know access to information in the context of transparent and accountable governance and government is something the Namibian government has embraced and has even articulated in it Harambee Prosperity Plan and as a signatory to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which recognize access to information as an important prerequisite to achieving the envisaged outcomes of the SDGs frame work,” Tweya said.

He further added that the Namibian government is committed to ensuring access to information and to that effect will be finalizing the access to information and draft bill towards putting it on the parliamentary agenda as soon as possible.  – Jonsey Douglas