Niël Terblanché
Namibia has already made substantial strides toward digital transformation, with both the public and private sectors embracing new technological advancements that will benefit all Namibians.
While launching the eighth National ICT Summit in Windhoek, Emma Theofelus, the minister of information and communication technology, stressed that adapting to digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), is vital for the nation’s sustainable economic development.
The theme of the summit, “Building Resilience to ‘Adapt or Die’ in the Era of Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence (AI),” reflects the challenges facing Namibia in this rapidly evolving digital era.
Theofelus stressed the need for the country to build a robust and resilient framework capable of withstanding the pace of technological advancements.
“Digital transformation must drive inclusive development and create opportunities for all Namibians,” she said.
Namibia’s recent ranking by the International Monetary Fund as ninth out of 54 African nations in preparedness for AI adoption in 2024 was pointed out by Theofelus.
“This achievement demonstrates the country’s progress in developing infrastructure and an environment conducive to leveraging AI technologies,” she said.
The minister added that the ranking is evidence of Namibia’s commitment to adapting to global technological trends and positioning itself as a leader in Africa’s digital revolution.
“AI, being a focal point of this digital revolution, holds immense potential to revolutionise industries and solve complex problems, enhancing productivity across various sectors. However, the integration of AI also brings challenges, including ethical considerations and the need for a robust regulatory framework to manage data protection and security,” she said.
Theofelus said that the Namibian government is in the final stages of enacting the Data Protection and Cybercrime Bills to address these concerns and added that the legislation will be vital to safeguard citizens’ personal information and secure Namibia’s digital infrastructure.
“The government is also planning to amend or entirely repeal and replace the current Communications Act to accommodate recent advancements in the technological space,” she said.
Theofelus added that the new regulatory framework is expected to protect both individual privacy and the broader national interest by creating a secure and trustworthy digital environment.
The minister stressed the role of digital technologies in improving public service delivery, from e-governance to sectors such as health and education.
“The launch of the National Digital Strategy, developed in collaboration with local and international partners, is aimed at reducing the digital divide, promoting digital literacy, and ensuring accessible public services for all Namibians,” she said.
According to Theofelus, the strategy will be a main pillar for creating new economic opportunities and fostering inclusive growth.
Theofelus called for the development of a skilled workforce equipped to navigate the digital economy to ensure success in this digital transformation journey.
“This process will involve prioritising education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) as well as digital literacy programmes from an early age,” she said.
The minister also stressed the importance of nurturing innovation through collaboration between government, industry, and academia to drive research and the adoption of new technologies.
Theofelus reminded participants at the summit that digital transformation must be inclusive, ensuring that marginalised communities have access to the resources and opportunities necessary to thrive in this new digital age.
“The path forward requires collective effort and determination, and Namibia’s success will depend on the decisions made and the strategies developed during events such as the current ICT Summit,” she said.