A monthly wrap-up of News Worth Knowing

Namibia’s Data Protection Bill to be tabled in September

The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) will table a Data Protection Bill in September 2025, aimed at safeguarding individual rights, strengthening public trust in digital platforms, and creating a safer environment for online business.

Addressing the Anti-Financial Crime Conference in Windhoek, Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, said the legislation would also support innovation by providing clear rules for the ethical use of data. As part of the same digital transformation drive, the Ministry will introduce electronic signatures by February 2026 under the Electronic Transactions Act of 2019, giving them the same legal standing as handwritten signatures.

She added that the innovation would boost Namibia’s competitiveness in the digital economy by enabling businesses to close deals faster, simplifying cross-border transactions, and improving access to government services. The system is also expected to promote financial inclusion by removing geographical and logistical barriers, allowing even remote communities to participate in formal economic activity.

The Minister also announced the launch of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) readiness assessment report earlier in the week, which evaluates Namibia’s preparedness and key indicators for adopting AI.

Government scheme re-employs over 2,400 fishermen

The Government Employment Redress Programme (GERP) has facilitated the re-employment of 2,483 fishermen since its launch in 2020, according to a recent assessment by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR).

“2,483 fishermen employed, with 550 in horse mackerel and 1,933 in hake. Ministers reaffirm commitment to redress and announce plans to expand GERP’s reach,” said IPPR Researcher Frederico Links.

GERP was introduced by the Cabinet to address job losses linked to the 2015 illegal industrial action and the fallout from the Fishrot scandal.

Mass resignations in 2022 and 2024 raised concerns about transparency and alleged favouritism in job placements.

A Select Committee of the National Assembly was established to investigate the reasons behind the mass resignations under the employment redress programme. The committee compiled a report, to which the then minister, Calle Schlettwein, issued a response,” he said.

Bank of Namibia to buy gold from Navachab and B2Gold for reserves

!Gawaxab stressed that “the acquisition of gold is strategic and long-term. While some may argue that we are buying at a high point, our focus is on long-term stability and strategic purposes rather than short-term gains,”.

The BoN has already engaged with both Navachab and B2Gold, holding several meetings with mine management.

!Gawaxab noted that Namibia lacks a refinery capable of producing gold at the required purity level, as local mines can only process it to 85%. To address this, the central bank has initiated talks with refineries in South Africa.

He added that the Bank has also consulted the Ministry of Industrialisation, Mines and Energy as part of the process.

Namibia urged to fast-track reforms to secure place as Africa’s next energy frontier

Namibia must accelerate legal and institutional reforms to turn its recent oil and gas discoveries into lasting economic benefits, SNC Managing Partner and President of the Association of International Energy Negotiators (AIEN), Shakwa Nyambe, told delegates at the third Namibia Oil and Gas Conference in Windhoek.

“Until 2022, Namibia’s oil and gas history was defined by dry wells and unrealised potential. That changed with Shell’s Graff discovery and TotalEnergies’ Venus find, which have spurred unprecedented exploration activity,” he said.

Nyambe stressed that to maintain momentum, Namibia must act quickly on a series of reforms.

“We must fast-track the establishment of an independent Upstream Petroleum Unit to oversee exploration and production activities. This requires amendments to the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act,” he said.

“With an estimated six billion barrels of oil and 2.2 trillion cubic feet of gas, Namibia has the potential to become a major African energy hub,” Nyambe concluded. “But realising that potential will require stable policies, transparent licensing, infrastructure upgrades, and skilled workforce development. If we get this right, the benefits could transform our economy for generations.”