Windhoek: The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS) will next week unveil Namibia's inaugural electronic identity card (e-ID), an advanced and biometric-enabled document designed to modernize identity management and improve access to a variety of public and private services.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the ministry's executive director, Etienne Maritz, announced in a media statement that the e-ID, developed in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will feature embedded biometric and demographic data. This innovation will facilitate real-time identity verification across multiple sectors, including banking, healthcare, education, and elections.

To foster public trust and awareness, the Ministry plans to initiate a countrywide awareness campaign, beginning in the Khomas Region. The campaign will be launched with an interactive 'Un-conference on Digital Legal Identity' on Thursday, 26 June 2025.

During the event, Minister of MHAISS Lucia Iipumbu and UNDP Resident Representative Alka Bhatia will engage with the public. The event expects to see attendance from over 500 community members, including local councillors, political leaders, and administrative officials from Windhoek's constituencies.

The e-ID is projected to be a vital instrument for inclusivity, empowering all Namibians to access essential services and participate fully in civic and economic life.

Citizens are urged to stay informed via official channels, partake in community events, and actively engage in the dialogue surrounding this digital transformation.

The rollout of the e-ID comes after cabinet approval for the introduction of contactless chip IDs in August 2023. Since then, the Government has been working on setting up the necessary infrastructure and engaging relevant stakeholders for their contributions to this significant initiative.