Erasmus Shalihaxwe
Starting from July 2026, Namibians will be able to use electronic identity cards (e-ID).
This comes as the ministry of home affairs recently announced plans to launch the first e-ID system in July 2026.
In April of this year, the home affairs minister, Lucia Iipumbu first unveiled the plan that the country is transitioning to a digital identity system.
The ministry’s executive director, Etienne Maritz, said the e-ID will transform identity management and improve access to public and private services in Namibia.
According to the ministry, this initiative aligns with the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) model governance framework for digital legal identity.
Maritz said the e-ID will modernise and redefine Namibia’s civil registration system.
He said it will offer a new format and new possibilities, helping Namibia move toward a secure, inclusive, and digitally connected society.
Maritz stressed the importance of public trust in this technological change. A nationwide awareness campaign has started in the Khomas region to promote open communication and community engagement. The campaign will include the “UnConference on Digital Legal Identity” on June 26, 2025, in Windhoek.
He explained that unlike traditional conferences, this event will be fully interactive, allowing citizens to ask questions and get transparent answers directly from government officials.
Over 500 community members from Windhoek’s constituencies are expected to attend. Political and administrative leaders, including the chief regional officer and local councillors, will also be present.
“Every innovation comes with questions and concerns. That is why the Ministry will be engaging the public early, openly, and honestly, so that no one is left behind or misinformed,” Maritz said.
He added that the ministry and UNDP aim to provide accurate, fact-based information to prevent misinformation and help citizens make informed decisions.
He also mentioned that the e-ID will be a smart, secure card with a contactless microchip, similar to a bank card. It will contain an individual’s biometric and demographic data to ensure better security and durability.
This chip will allow real-time identity verification in sectors such as banking, healthcare, education, elections, and government services.
Maritz said the e-ID will reduce identity fraud, eliminate duplicate records, and improve data and national security.
“Unlike conventional paper documents, the biometric-enabled e-ID is nearly impossible to forge, offering each citizen a uniquely verifiable identity that is both secure and enduring,” he said.
