Namibia has introduced the country’s first electronic identity card.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security (MHAISS) describes the contactless chip E-ID as a smart and secure biometric-enabled document designed to modernise identity management and expand services to the broader community.

This advanced E-ID incorporates biometrics such as fingerprint recognition, along with gender and age data, enabling users to verify their identity and access services in both government and private sectors, including banks, hospitals, and schools, especially in rural areas.

In an era of cybercrime and identity theft, this innovation helps curb the duplication of personal records and is expected to reduce identity fraud due to its high efficiency in service delivery and broader mobile outreach.

To raise awareness, the ministry will launch a nationwide campaign starting in Windhoek on Thursday, 26 June, to highlight the benefits and address the challenges associated with this new initiative.

The ministry encourages community members to participate in open discussions with government officials during the event.