Listen to the audio version of this article below.
NRD Companies participated in the 9th National ICT Summit 2026 in Ongwediva, Namibia, contributing to discussions on digital government, technology adoption and inclusive digital transformation.
NRD Companies was represented by CEO Mindaugas Glodas. H.E. Rasa Jankauskaitė, Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania accredited to Namibia, also joined the visit, contributing to the broader Lithuania–Namibia dialogue on digital transformation and opportunities for further cooperation.
During the visit, meetings were held with key Namibian public institutions, including the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT), the Bank of Namibia, and the Ministry of International Relations and Trade. Discussions covered digital government, e-ID, cybersecurity, digital tax administration, e-invoicing, registries and interoperability.
From Lithuania’s digital transformation to practical adoption
At the Summit, Mindaugas participated in the High-Level Fireside Chat “Digital Pathways to Prosperity: Practical Investment and Collaboration.”
He reflected on Lithuania’s digital transformation journey and drew parallels between Lithuania and Namibia. Both countries regained or achieved independence in 1990 and have relatively small populations. Mindaugas highlighted Lithuania’s decision to leapfrog certain legacy technologies where possible as one of the approaches that helped accelerate its digital development.
He also emphasized that introducing technology is only the first step. Using e-ID as an example, Mindaugas highlighted the importance of connecting digital identity to services that citizens and businesses actually use. Adoption can grow significantly when e-ID is integrated not only into government services, but also into banking, telecommunications, insurance, healthcare, education and other everyday services.
Another focus of the discussion was ensuring that digital transformation also reaches rural and underserved communities. Mindaugas stressed that digital services should enable economic participation rather than create additional barriers. Government can help initiate this process, while private-sector involvement is important for expanding the practical use and accessibility of digital services.
Mindaugas also introduced the GovTech Lab model as an approach for bringing public institutions and technology companies together to co-create and test digital public services.
Full video can be accessed here.
From dialogue to further cooperation
Beyond the Summit program, H.E. Rasa Jankauskaitė and Mindaugas Glodas met with Namibia’s Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Hon. Emma Theofelus, to discuss opportunities for cooperation in e-government, cybersecurity, electronic identity, artificial intelligence and digital innovation.
Minister Theofelus expressed interest in Lithuania’s GovTech Lab model and opportunities to implement joint projects involving Namibian technology companies. The discussions also highlighted the importance of working with local partners, strengthening local expertise and adapting international experience to Namibia’s priorities.
Other bilateral engagements focused on practical areas including digital tax administration, e-invoicing, government revenue collection, population registries and interoperability between public-sector information systems.
The visit provided an opportunity to exchange experience, better understand Namibia’s digital transformation priorities and identify areas where further cooperation could be developed.
We thank MICT, the National ICT Summit organizing team, and the Namibian institutions and representatives involved in the discussions for the warm welcome and constructive exchanges. NRD Companies looks forward to continuing the dialogue and exploring opportunities to support the development of resilient, accessible and interoperable digital public infrastructure and services in Namibia.
