Victoria Immanuel
ONGWEDIVA – Namibia is looking to technology to create jobs, fight poverty and open new economic opportunities for young people as the country pushes towards an inclusive digital economy.
Speaking at the opening of the 9th National ICT Summit in Ongwediva yesterday, the Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofilus highlighted the need to turn digital innovation into practical solutions that improve people’s lives.
This year’s summit is held under the theme ‘Harnessing ICT for Inclusive Growth: Digital Pathways to Reduce Unemployment and Eradicate Poverty’.
The gathering brings together stakeholders to discuss how technology
can support economic growth, improve public services and ensure that communities across the country benefit from digital development.
Theofilus indicated that the decision to host the summit outside Windhoek is intended to bring discussions closer to the communities that technology policies and services are meant to serve.
“We have this ICT Summit not for the sake of it, but to create a convening of minds to discuss all things technology in Namibia,” she said.
The minister explained that the summit comes at a time when technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, e-commerce and data analytics are changing how people work, do business and access services.
She said the ministry emphasised that young people must be equipped with relevant digital skills to take advantage of these changes, particularly as youth unemployment remains a major concern.
“The skills in coding, software development, cybersecurity, data science and digital marketing can help young Namibians find employment, establish businesses and provide services beyond their local communities,” she added.
Theofilus further said through Project 1 000, beneficiaries have been recruited as part of efforts to equip young Namibians with practical digital skills and connect them to opportunities in the growing digital economy.
She said Project 1 000, we are moving beyond discussions about youth unemployment and towards practical interventions that prepare our young people to participate meaningfully in the digital economy. “Broadband expansion and the universal access and service fund remain important in efforts to reduce the digital divide and extend telecommunications services to communities that are often underserve,” said Theofilus.
However, the minister stressed that connectivity alone is not enough, as people must also have the skills and resources to use technology productively.
The discussions further focused on digital security and trust, with the DigiNam initiative supporting secure online identification, electronic signatures and digital transactions.
Theofilus also revealed that Cabinet had directed the Office of the Prime Minister and the ministry to develop an internal policy to guide civil servants on the use of artificial intelligence in the public service, including safeguards for responsible use.
“We are calling on young people to use the gathering to engage with industry leaders, exchange ideas and explore opportunities for innovation,” she called. The summit further addressed digital inclusion, government service delivery and the need for reliable communication systems during emergencies. It was also noted that the success of digital transformation should not only be measured by internet access or the number of digital platforms established, but also by whether people gain useful skills, businesses grow and livelihoods improve.
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