Namibia’s Digital Transformation: How NDP6 Aims to Build a Smart, Inclusive Economy by 2030

Namibia is entering a new chapter of development with the rollout of its Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6). While agriculture, food security, and manufacturing remain central to the plan, one of its most ambitious pillars is digital transformation.

Spanning from 2025/26 to 2029/30, NDP6 outlines a bold strategy to position Namibia as a competitive player in the global digital economy by 2030. From schools and government services to rural villages, this vision aims to connect every corner of the country to the digital future.

Why Digital Transformation Matters for Namibia

For Namibia, building a digital economy isn’t just about technology—it’s about unlocking opportunities for growth, innovation, and inclusion. NDP6 highlights three key foundations:

Digital infrastructure – expanding access to internet and technology across the country.
Cybersecurity – protecting citizens, businesses, and government systems from digital threats.
Education and skills development – preparing young Namibians for the jobs of the future.

According to the NDP6 Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (IMEP):

Internet penetration is set to grow from 53% today to 90% by 2030.
Technology access will rise from 28% to 70%, giving more Namibians the tools to participate in the digital economy.

“By 2030, Namibia will be a player in the global digital economy,” the IMEP declares.

The National Data Centre: Protecting Namibia’s Digital Sovereignty

At the heart of Namibia’s digital agenda is the establishment of a National Data Centre. This facility will serve as the backbone of the country’s digital transformation by:

Storing and managing sensitive government information securely,
Supporting innovation and private sector growth, and
Ensuring data sovereignty by keeping critical data within Namibian borders.

Strengthening Cybersecurity for a Safer Digital Future

Cybersecurity remains one of Namibia’s biggest challenges. Currently, the country has a readiness score of just 37, but NDP6 aims to raise this to 65 by 2030.

To achieve this, Namibia will:

Pass comprehensive national cybersecurity legislation,
Strengthen the Namibia Cybersecurity Incident Response Team (Nam-CSIRT), tasked with monitoring and responding to cyber threats in both public and private sectors.

Educating the Next Generation: AI and Digital Skills

Digital transformation cannot succeed without a skilled workforce. That’s why NDP6 includes a strong focus on digital education. Plans include:

Introducing artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity curricula in schools and universities,
Rolling out digital literacy programs to help students and communities navigate new technologies safely and effectively.

This initiative will prepare young Namibians for the future of work and position the country as a hub for innovation.

Closing Namibia’s Digital Divide

One of NDP6’s most important goals is digital inclusion. Rural and underserved communities will gain access to:

Upgraded broadband infrastructure,
ICT-equipped schools, and
Community internet hubs.

The plan emphasizes: “Namibia’s digital transformation cannot succeed if it excludes rural communities.”

By ensuring affordable access, locally relevant content, and inclusive policies, Namibia is building an equitable digital economy for all.

A Fully Digital Government by 2030

Today, only 13 public institutions in Namibia offer digital services. By 2029/30, NDP6 aims for 100% digitalisation of government services.

This means citizens will be able to:

Access essential government services online,
Benefit from faster, more transparent processes, and
Enjoy improved service delivery supported by the Access to Information Act.

The Road Ahead: Namibia’s Digital Promise

Namibia’s Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) is more than a roadmap—it’s a vision for a connected, inclusive, and resilient digital nation.

By 2030, Namibia aims to:

Expand internet access to 90% of the population,
Build a strong cybersecurity ecosystem,
Educate the next generation with digital-first skills, and
Achieve full digitalisation of public services.

With these bold steps, Namibia is not just keeping pace with global trends—it is shaping its own digital future.