WINDHOEK, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- Namibia will fast-track cybercrime and data protection legislation, expand rural digital connectivity and strengthen oversight of ICT public enterprises, Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus said on Monday.
Speaking at the ministry's year-opening staff engagement in Windhoek, Theofelus said that stakeholder consultations on the draft cybercrime bill will resume on Feb. 2.
The proposed law is expected to address technology-facilitated crimes, including online harassment, cyberstalking, image-based abuse and deepfake exploitation, with a particular focus on gender-based violence, she said.
According to Theofelus, the Data Protection Bill has completed consultations and drafting is ready for re-submission to the cabinet committee on legislation before being tabled in parliament.
On infrastructure, the minister highlighted continued expansion of digital connectivity through the Universal Service Fund, which has been capitalized with 80 million Namibian dollars (about 5 million U.S. dollars) over the past two years.
She said nine telecom towers have already been constructed in rural regions, providing free internet access to schools and clinics within their coverage areas for seven years, with further rollout planned for remote communities.
Theofelus said Telecom Namibia has installed about 80 mobile sites under its mobile network rollout project and is nearing completion of its fiber-to-home program, while the launch of 5G services aligns with the country's national 5G strategy.
She also said the National ICT Summit will return in 2026 in a redesigned format, with the National Mega Hackathon forming part of the event to promote youth innovation and digital solutions. ■