Cabinet has approved the drafting of a Space Science and Technology Bill, which will provide a legal and institutional framework to guide Namibia’s space-related activities.
The decision was announced by the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, following the 15th Cabinet meeting of 2025.
“The Space Science and Technology Bill aims to ensure effective coordination of space science and technology activities that contribute to socio-economic growth and development in the country,” Theofelus said.
The Bill will be developed by the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, before being submitted to Cabinet for formal endorsement.
The move builds on earlier steps taken by government to revive the national space science agenda. In March 2024, the second National Space Science Council was appointed to serve as a technical and advisory body to the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology.
The council is made up of experts in astronomy, information and communication technology, law, electronics engineering and geographic information systems. It will serve until March 2027.
The proposed legislation is underpinned by Namibia’s Space Science and Technology Policy (2021–2030), which aims to transition the country from being a passive user of space-based services to an active participant in the global space industry. The policy calls for the integration of space technologies into national development planning, improved public awareness, institutional capacity-building, and expanded access to commercial space applications.
The Ministry of Education leads the implementation of the policy, with the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology acting as the coordinating body.
