The Namibian government is working to bring PayPal, Apple Pay, and YouTube monetization to the country. This move aims to help content creators, freelancers, and digital entrepreneurs earn money online and participate in the global digital economy.
Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, highlighted that many Namibian YouTubers create great content but cannot earn from it because YouTube’s monetization services, including Google AdSense, are not available in Namibia. The government has been engaging with Google to extend these services to the country.
Theofelus also pointed out that many young Namibians are working remotely for international companies, but receiving payments is difficult due to the unavailability of PayPal. She emphasized the urgent need to improve access to online financial platforms to support Namibia’s growing digital workforce.
Speaking at the 12th Annual SAPOA Postal Forum, Theofelus stressed the importance of strengthening Namibia’s digital economy. She explained that internet access and mobile connectivity are increasing in the country, creating opportunities for e-commerce growth. However, without proper online payment solutions, many Namibians struggle to benefit fully from these opportunities.
To address these challenges, the government has set up a special team to find solutions and collaborate with financial institutions and global platforms. The goal is to integrate Namibia into the digital economy, making it easier for content creators, freelancers, and entrepreneurs to get paid for their work.
These efforts reflect Namibia’s commitment to embracing the digital future and ensuring its citizens can succeed in the online world.