Namibia has taken a major step towards strengthening disaster preparedness and digital resilience with the approval of its National Emergency Telecommunications Plan.
 
The plan, developed with the support of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), aims to ensure that communication services remain available during emergencies.
 
Speaking during a stakeholder engagement at ANGOTIC 2026 in Luanda, Angola, ICT Minister Emma Theofelus said the plan comes at a critical time as Namibia continues to face climate-related disasters.
 
She stated that the framework will help the government as well as telecommunications operators and emergency services coordinate communication efforts and ensure affected communities can access assistance when disaster strikes.
  
“Cabinet has adopted this policy and plan, especially considering that as a country we find ourselves in so many disasters. This plan sets out a good template that we can use as government and operators to ensure we have the necessary instruments in place to protect citizens.”
  
The engagement also focused on the implementation of Namibia's e-waste policy, the transition from older mobile technologies to newer networks, and the development of an artificial intelligence strategy that will guide future artificial intelligence (AI) legislation.
 
The Minister stressed that the government is working to ensure technological progress does not leave citizens behind.
  
“We have implemented 5G technology, but we still have a large population that has not moved to newer technologies. We want to ensure that no citizen is disadvantaged, and that technology remains accessible and affordable to all.”

The discussions also drew interest from media stakeholders, with NBC highlighting the importance of public awareness and digital literacy.
 
The NBC's Director General, Menesia Muinjo, expressed interest in educational tools that can help simplify complex topics such as artificial intelligence and emerging technologies for audiences of all ages.
 
“We are interested in the animation book that you talked about to demystify the issues around AI so that we can teach at a national level, because you said this is helpful in countries, although it was meant for young ones. We also have various kiddies’ programmes. I think we'll find a way how we can use it.”
 
ITU Representative for Southern Africa, Halima Letamo, welcomed Namibia's progress and emphasised the importance of modern early warning systems capable of reaching all citizens during emergencies.
 
“It is important that countries have their emergency telecommunications plans in place because these documents guide how to prepare, respond and support citizens before, during and after disasters.”
 
The ITU has pledged continued support to Namibia in implementing the emergency telecommunications plan, advancing e-waste management initiatives and strengthening early warning systems.