Speech by Emma Theofelus, minister of information and communication technology, at the launch of the MTC eSIM, Windhoek, 19 September 2025
Namibia, the land of the brave! Namibia, the land of opportunity! Oh, what a time to be alive! What a time to be MTC! A proudly Namibian corporate citizen which embodies the character of our beautiful nation.
We are all gathered here to recognise this significant milestone in our nation’s digital journey: the official launch of MTC eSIM technology.
This innovation is more than just a technical upgrade. It is a symbol of progress, a gateway to convenience, and a strategic enabler of our digital transformation agenda.
Connectivity in the modern world is about convenience that is redefined, and in today’s interconnected world, flexibility, adaptability, and seamless connectivity solutions are a necessity. From education and healthcare to commerce and governance, digital access underpins every sector of our economy. The launch of eSIM technology places our country firmly on the path to universal, secure, and seamless connectivity.
The eSIM – short for embedded SIM – removes the need for physical SIM cards. It allows users to activate mobile services remotely, switch between networks effortlessly, and enjoy greater flexibility when travelling or managing multiple profiles.
For our citizens, this means fewer queues, fewer hassles, and more control over their digital lives. It also reduces environmental waste by minimising the production of plastic SIM cards.
For tourists and business travellers, it means instant access to local networks, boosting both convenience and confidence in our telecom infrastructure, while spurring economic activity.
The availability of eSIM will not only enhance and accelerate digital inclusion by simplifying access to mobile services, but also serve as a springboard to support innovation in sectors like the Internet of Things, smart agriculture, smart health, e-commerce, and mobile banking.
This is not just a win for consumers – it is a win for our economy, our environment, and our global competitiveness.
However, as with any innovation, we must acknowledge the challenges. First, device compatibility: not all mobile devices currently support eSIM, which could limit adoption, especially among lower-income users.
Second, consumer awareness: many citizens are unfamiliar with eSIM technology and its benefits. I urge all digital service operators to ensure inclusion and accessibility for all members of society through extensive customer education.
Third, regulatory readiness: our frameworks must evolve to support remote provisioning, data protection, and cross-border interoperability.
As the government, we are committed to building a future-ready Namibia – a nation where technology serves the people, drives growth, and bridges divides.
As we embrace the convenience and innovation of eSIM technology, we must also recognise its strategic value in enhancing national security.
Unlike traditional SIM cards, which are vulnerable to physical theft, cloning, and unauthorised swapping, eSIMs are embedded directly into devices and can be remotely provisioned and managed. This means improved authentication, which is especially critical in sectors like mobile banking, e-government services, and secure communications.
In addition, eSIMs are ideal for securing Internet of Things devices used in energy, transport, and public safety – ensuring that our national infrastructure remains resilient and protected.
In short, eSIM technology is not just a tool for convenience – it is a pillar of digital sovereignty. It empowers our nation to protect its citizens, secure its data, and respond swiftly to emerging threats in an increasingly digital world.
I wish to commend our digital connectivity players and partners, regulators, and innovators who have worked tirelessly to bring this technology to life. Your dedication is helping us build a smarter, more connected nation.
Let us continue to collaborate, innovate, and invest in technologies that uplift our people and transform our future.
The government of the Republic of Namibia celebrates innovation, especially in the telecommunications industry. Innovation means improved customer experience, which results in increased customer satisfaction and, ultimately, happier citizens. We encourage operators to innovate in order to improve the well-being of our people by providing the convenience they deserve.
In conclusion, as we gather to celebrate a landmark achievement in our nation’s digital evolution – the official launch of eSIM technology – let us remember: this is not merely a technological upgrade; it is a bold step toward a more connected, more convenient, and more competitive future.
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