Emma Inamutila Theofelus, born on March 28, 1996, is a prominent Namibian politician and lawyer.
She currently serves as the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, having been appointed at age 23, making her one of Africa’s youngest ministers.
Theofelus is known for her advocacy for women’s rights, notably removing taxes on sanitary products in Namibia.
Education
Theofelus holds an LLB Honours Degree from the University of Namibia, along with diplomas in Business Management from Amity University and African Feminism and Gender Studies from the University of South Africa.
She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in ICT Policy and Regulation at the University of Witwatersrand.
Career
Theofelus began her professional journey as a legal officer in the Ministry of Justice after earning her LLB Honours Degree from the University of Namibia.
In this role, she was involved in various legal matters, providing legal advice and support within government frameworks.
Alongside her legal career, Theofelus has been an active advocate for youth and children’s rights.
She served as the Deputy Speaker of the Youth Parliament, representing young people’s interests and concerns in national discussions.
Additionally, she held the position of Junior Mayor of Windhoek, which allowed her to engage with community issues at a local level and develop her leadership skills.
In March 2020, Theofelus was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology.
In this capacity, she focused on enhancing Namibia’s digital infrastructure and promoting access to technology for all citizens.
Her dedication to these causes led to her elevation to the position of Minister of Information and Communication Technology in February 2024, making her one of the youngest ministers in Africa at just 27 years old.
One of her notable achievements includes advocating for the removal of taxes on sanitary products in Namibia.
Accolades
Theofelus has received several accolades for her work, including the United Nations Population Award in 2022 for her contributions to advancing youth rights and gender equality.
In 2021, she was recognized by BBC as one of the 100 Most Influential Women, highlighting her impact on society through her advocacy work.
