A National Digital Justice Taskforce has been established to define the strategic vision for Namibia's Integrated Electronic Case Management and Information System.
This was announced at the National Conference on Judicial Innovation currently underway in Windhoek.
Led by Chief Justice Peter Shivute, the task force includes representatives from key justice institutions, who will set objectives and timelines and oversee its phased implementation.
The task force will further serve as a central governance structure that ensures coordinated input and buy-in from justice sector stakeholders.
However, the judiciary will retain leadership of the project to safeguard judicial independence and court-user relevance.
"We must bear in mind that digitisation is not just a technical project; it is a change management process that calls for collective effort, shared ownership, and a clear national vision. We cannot afford to work in silos. The success of this initiative depends on close collaboration between the judiciary and other key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Justice, the Office of the Prosecutor-General, the Police, the Namibian Correctional Service, the Directorate of Legal Aid, and, of course, the legal profession."
The conference is attended by a delegation from Uganda's judiciary, which has successfully implemented a digitised court case management information system.
Uganda's Deputy Chief Justice, Dr. Flavian Zeija, emphasised the need for adequate stakeholder sensitisation before and after the system's implementation.
"You see, when these new technologies come, there is a lot of disinformation. Some people will tell you, or some of you are going to lose your jobs, by the way. Are you aware of that? So you need to—not only to sensitise it but also to train the users. Now, if you don't, you train the judges, registrars, clerks, and advocates; those are the key users. Additionally, the court users may include members of the public who are interested in accessing the system. And sensitisation is very critical to demystifying all the myths that may come with introducing new systems."
Once successfully implemented, the electronic system will enhance case tracking and accountability, increase transparency and integrity within the justice system, improve revenue collection and financial efficiency, and enable faster, more reliable access to justice services.
It will also support data-driven decision-making across the courts.