Linda Aipinge-Nakale has been appointed as the Interim Executive Director of Namibia’s Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT).
This milestone underscores the increasing presence of women in high-level leadership roles within Namibia’s public sector.
Aipinge-Nakale steps into the position following the transfer of former Executive Director Audrin Mathe to the Ministry of Justice. In her new role, she will oversee the ministry’s strategic operations and guide key national ICT projects during this transitional phase.
With an extensive background in public service and a reputation for championing innovation, Aipinge-Nakale is expected to drive Namibia’s digital transformation agenda while promoting inclusivity across the sector.
Prior to her interim appointment, Aipinge-Nakale served as Director of ICT Development at MICT. There, she led the formulation and review of ICT policies and legislation, spearheaded technological innovation and regulatory efforts, guided the implementation of regional and international ICT commitments, and managed major ICT programmes and investments.
Aipinge-Nakale has been a vocal advocate for data privacy. In August 2023, she addressed a high-level workshop on Namibia’s revised Data Protection Bill, emphasizing the crucial balance between effective data collection and safeguarding citizens’ rights,especially as new data-retention and SIM card registration rules came into effect in January 2024.
In February 2025, Aipinge-Nakale represented Namibia at the SADC Cluster Meeting in Harare, contributing to critical discussions on digital policy, infrastructure, and technology harmonization across Southern Africa.
Aipinge-Nakale brings deep institutional knowledge and continuity to MICT’s leadership at a pivotal moment. Her expertise in policy, innovation, and regional collaboration positions her to advance ongoing initiatives in data protection, digital literacy, and cross-border technology partnerships.
Her rise also highlights the growing number of African women breaking barriers in national governance,demonstrating that gender is no obstacle to leading strategic portfolios.
As she takes the helm at MICT, Aipinge-Nakale is poised to guide Namibia’s digital future and inspire further progress toward inclusive, tech-driven development.
