The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has launched its first public awareness campaign on electronic identity (e-ID) in Otjimbingwe, Erongo Region, as the country prepares for the official rollout of the new system in July 2026.
The campaign, which runs from 22 to 25 September in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to educate communities about the benefits and functions of the e-ID.
Deputy Executive Director for Civil Registration, Jackson Wandjiva, explained that the new system will significantly strengthen identity verification processes. “The e-ID will allow service providers to instantly authenticate identities on the spot, cutting delays and fighting identity theft. The chip technology makes forgery nearly impossible, ensuring greater protection for all citizens,” he said.
Wandjiva noted that the e-ID will be issued both as a physical card with an embedded chip and as a digital version, making it a landmark development in Namibia’s national identification system. He added that consultations will determine what additional information such as driver’s licenses or medical records may be stored on the chip.
UNDP Accelerator Lab Namibia’s Head of Experimentation, Yrika Maritz, said the e-ID is a major step toward digital transformation. “This system is designed to ensure that even the most remote communities can access vital government and private sector services,” she stated.
The ministry has pledged to continue nationwide engagements to ensure that citizens are well-informed before the official rollout.
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