Government to roll out electronic IDs in September to drive digital services

Staff Reporter

NAMIBIA is set to begin rolling out electronic identity (E-ID) cards in September 2026 as part of efforts to modernise public service delivery, strengthen digital security and support the country’s e-government programme.

Officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS) and the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) outlined the initiative during an information-sharing session at the Government Information Centre (GIC) in Windhoek, explaining that the new smart identity cards will enable secure digital verification, online transactions and improved access to government and private sector services.

Control Administrative Officer for Civil Registration at MHAISS, Taddeus Shambalula, said the introduction of the E-ID forms part of the government’s ongoing upgrade of the national identity management system.

He explained that the smart card will contain an embedded chip storing both biometric and biographical information, including the holder’s identity number, names, photograph and fingerprints.

Shambalula said the E-ID will also have a digital identity component, allowing citizens to verify their identities electronically without always presenting a physical identity document.