Following a year marked by more than 1.1 million cyber incidents, Namibia has joined global efforts to combat digital crime by signing the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime.
The treaty was signed in Hanoi, Vietnam, by Information and Communication Technology Minister Emma Theofelus, during an official ceremony attended by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and delegates from 65 other nations. The convention aims to establish a unified legal framework to curb the rising tide of cyber threats worldwide.
According to recent reports, Telecom Namibia suffered one of the country’s largest known cyber breaches in 2024, with over 626 gigabytes of sensitive data exposed. Certified fraud examiner Melanie Meiring revealed in March 2025 that the breach was part of a broader surge in digital attacks targeting Namibian systems.
“In 2024, Namibia recorded over 1.1 million cyber incidents, with Telecom Namibia (TN) suffering a major breach that exposed over 626 gigabytes of sensitive data,” Meiring said.
She further noted that while many other countries have enacted cyber security laws as early as 2018, Namibia is still finalizing its own legislative framework.
“In the meantime, cybercriminals continue to exploit weak security systems, outdated controls, and untrained employees, leaving both private businesses and government entities exposed,” she added.
The UN Convention Against Cybercrime, adopted by the General Assembly in 2024, focuses on enhancing international cooperation to fight a wide range of digital crimes, including transnational scams, child exploitation, and online money laundering. The agreement will come into effect once 40 member states ratify it.
Namibia’s decision to sign the convention is seen as a vital step toward strengthening its cyber resilience and aligning with global cybersecurity standards. The Ministry of ICT says the move supports the country’s ongoing efforts to introduce a Cybercrime Bill and Data Protection Bill to safeguard citizens and institutions from emerging digital threats.
Cybercrime has grown into one of the most expensive threats globally, costing economies billions of dollars annually. This year, multiple large-scale attacks including financial data theft, ransomware operations, and cryptocurrency scams have underscored the urgent need for stronger international coordination.
With its new commitment to the UN treaty, Namibia signals that it is ready to close its legislative gaps and collaborate globally to ensure a safer digital environment for all.
