• Namibia plans to invest about $1 million to boost cybersecurity capabilities.
• The initiative forms part of a broader 682 million Namibian dollar ICT budget for 2026/2027.
• Authorities aim to strengthen NAM-CSIRT and address rising cyber threats, including 1.2 million attacks recorded in 2024.

Namibian authorities plan to invest 17.4 million Namibian dollars (about $1 million) in cybersecurity and other key areas in the coming months. The government aims to expand national capabilities in this strategic sector.

This funding forms part of the 682 million Namibian dollars allocated to the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) for the 2026/2027 fiscal year. Information and Communication Technology Minister Emma Theofelus presented this budget to Parliament last week, according to local media.

The minister stated that authorities will center actions around the Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team (NAM-CSIRT). The government will use the funds to support the implementation of the cybercrime bill, establish a 24/7 security operations center, and develop a national digital forensics laboratory. Authorities will also strengthen national cybersecurity frameworks.

This budget supports broader efforts to secure Namibia’s cyberspace. Authorities launched NAM-CSIRT in July with an initial budget of 20 million Namibian dollars. The government created this entity as the central national authority responsible for managing cyber threats and cybersecurity incidents.

NAM-CSIRT aims to strengthen the security and stability of critical infrastructure and information systems across Namibia, including public institutions, agencies, and other key sectors.

Authorities are also developing complementary initiatives. These include a mobile application that allows users to report scams, receive real-time alerts, and access online safety guidance. The government is also advancing public awareness campaigns and drafting legislation on cybercrime and data protection.

These efforts come amid accelerated digital transformation and a rise in cyber threats. NAM-CSIRT detected 549,556 IT vulnerabilities across Namibia’s digital landscape between April and June 2025. This figure represents a 1.62% increase compared with the previous quarter.

Authorities recorded 1.2 million cyberattacks in 2024. These figures highlight growing risks to the country’s digital infrastructure.

Namibia currently ranks in Tier 4, the second-lowest cohort, of the International Telecommunication Union’s Global Cybersecurity Index. The country performs relatively well in organizational measures, with a score of 16.35 out of 20.

However, Namibia must improve in other areas, including the legal framework, technical measures, capacity building, and international cooperation. The country recorded an overall score of 36.93 out of 100.

Isaac K. Kassouwi