Namibia is poised to deepen its technological partnership with Russia, focusing on digital government systems, cybersecurity, and telecommunications infrastructure. 

This follows discussions on Monday during the 11th session of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Engagement.

The Deputy Minister of Digital Development, Communication and Mass Media of Russia, Alexander Shoitov, highlighted the country's expertise and outlined a roadmap for cooperation with Namibia, aiming to establish a model for broader technological partnerships across Africa.

"We really have high qualifications in the spheres of digitalisation of public administration and cybersecurity. We are ready to build a strategic partnership with Namibia and African countries on an equal basis in these areas. If we talk about the digitalisation of public services, it is a complicated system consisting of many levels and elements. The first stage here could be the introduction to the Namibian partners and the very structure of our system. Then, it is possible to cooperate on separate parts (of the system). In terms of cybersecurity, the first areas that we see as the major ones are conducting joint cyber drills and training specialists."

The Minister of ICT, Emma Theofelus, emphasised the importance of digital transformation in the country and the potential of strategic partnerships with international players like Russia to strengthen technological capacity and innovation.

"We are able to look at the memorandums of understanding. We have cooperated before, especially around broadcasting. But to strengthen that with more memorandums of understanding around mass media and around ICTs, with particular emphasis on cybersecurity, as well as the strengthening of looking at international information systems and making sure that we safeguard that for both our countries. So the discussions were quite fruitful."

The proposed collaboration includes sharing expertise in digitalising public services, joint cybersecurity exercises, specialist training, and exploring telecommunications infrastructure development. 

Both sides expressed optimism that the partnership could serve as a benchmark for Russia-Africa technology cooperation.