Launch of the Namibian Sign Language Mobile App

This year’s celebration of the International Week of the Deaf under the theme "No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights", marks a historic milestone for Namibia, as the Namibia National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) in partnership with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Namibia-Angola Office and key supporting partners including the Office of the President, UNDEF and the Namport Social Investment Fund, proudly announce the launch of the Namibian Sign Language Mobile App. The mobile app will be unveiled and officiated by Her Excellency Lucia Witbooi, Vice President of the Republic of Namibia at the Walvis Bay Municipality Town Hall in Walvis Bay on 24 September 2025 from 08h30 onward. This groundbreaking initiative represents a major step toward inclusive communication and equal access to information for the Deaf community in Namibia. The app serves as a vital educational tool, enabling individuals, employers, institutions, and communities to learn Namibian Sign Language through a modern, accessible platform. It also underscores the NNAD’s ongoing advocacy for the recognition of Namibian Sign Language as an official national language. Following the launch the remainder of the programme promises to engage key stakeholders on topics of inclusive education, foundational literacy, access to information, cyber security, employment and rule of law in the form of panel discussion jointly initiated by representatives of key ministries, civil society, academia, the private sector and security sector. Representatives of the Deaf Community will also share their stories of what it means to live a day in the shoes of a deaf person in Namibia, whilst Simson Weyulu, Sign Language Technician and Researcher will engage the public on the basics of learning sign language. The programme for the day will conclude with a brief presentation by Salt Essentials on the importance of understanding cyber security, in particular with the emerging digital technologies entering Namibia's disability space and beyond.