Niël Terblanché
The Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, said the country’s digital transformation hinges on close collaboration with private sector partners, robust infrastructure, and a digitally skilled population.
Speaking at the Huawei Partner Connect Gala Dinner in Windhoek on Tuesday evening, she described the recently launched Namibia LEAP Digital Talent Programme as a turning point in efforts to empower young Namibians.
The programme, which is the result of an agreement signed between the ministry and Huawei Technologies Namibia in August 2024, is designed to equip young Namibians with the skills needed to participate meaningfully in the global digital economy.
“Through this partnership, we will cultivate local ICT talent, create new internship opportunities for students, and lay the foundation for a new generation of innovators, developers, and problem-solvers,” she said.
She also called the initiative a bold and strategic leap and expressed confidence that with adequate support, Namibians could progress from digital illiteracy to full digital expertise.
“We know this is possible. It has been doneWe only need to put the necessary resources towards ensuring young Namibians access this opportunity,” she said.
Theofelus said that the government’s digital strategy, endorsed across ministries, focuses on four core areas: digital literacy, universal connectivity, training and capacity building, and fostering innovation ecosystems.
“Basic digital skills must become as fundamental as reading and writing,” she said, adding that access to fast internet should be a right, not a privilege.
She added that the Universal Service and Access Fund had been allocated with N$40 million this financial year to help expand digital infrastructure in underserved areas.
She praised Huawei as more than just a technology provider, describing the company as a true development partner committed to human capital development and knowledge transfer.
“Let us remember that technology is not an end in itself. It is a bridge toward a more inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable society,” she said.
Theofelus also urged all stakeholders to invest in people, particularly young Namibians, and to work collectively to ensure that no Namibian is left behind.
