Find out more about e-IDs tomorrow
It is expected that this move will increase security through biometric verification and make government services more accessible to citizens.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), host an informal event tomorrow to launch an awareness campaign for electronic identity documents (e-IDs).Minister Lucia Iipumbu and the UNDP Representative in Namibia, Alka Bhatia, are expected to address members of the public then.
The event is expected to promote open discussions between citizens and government officials and encourage attendees to ask direct questions and receive “clear, transparent answers”, according to a statement from the ministry.
E-IDs are a result of the cabinet’s approval of contactless chip IDs in August 2023. The ministry has been working since then to introduce a biometrically enabled document. It is expected to increase security through biometric verification and make government services more accessible to citizens through mobile outreach.
Yrika Maritz, UNDP’s Chief of Experimentation, writes on the UNDP website about the agency’s involvement in e-IDs in Namibia.
“UNDP’s focus is on assisting the government in establishing a strong legal and regulatory framework, improving institutional capacity, and promoting inclusiveness and innovation.
“Our approach to consulting with diverse stakeholders to address privacy and security issues is aimed at promoting digital inclusion and ensuring that all Namibians, including those in underserved communities, can benefit from digital transformation. Ensuring inclusion involves overcoming barriers that rural and technologically underserved communities face.
“New solutions such as biometrics, digital IDs on mobile phones, and community access points can bring legal identity to all Namibians.
“However, strong legal frameworks are needed to protect personal data and privacy. The model governance framework promotes a community-based approach, improving inclusion, security and access to services.”
The event is open to the public and starts at 10:00 at the ministry’s head office.
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