Allexer Namundjebo
Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) and the United Nations have signed a five-year partnership to support Namibia’s development through digital innovation.
The agreement was signed in Windhoek on Friday by MTC’s financial director, Thinus Smit and UN resident coordinator for Namibia, Hopolang Phororo.
The partnership aims to boost economic recovery, promote digital transformation, and support inclusive growth. It aligns with Vision 2030, NDP6, Agenda 2063, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
It will focus on four areas: governance and public service delivery, economic recovery and resilience, sustainable development, and human development.
“As a digital enabler, it is our duty to bridge the digital divide and empower communities. MTC has a responsibility to help alleviate poverty and promote equality while safeguarding our environment. Through unity of purpose and smart cooperation, we will create sustainable solutions that change lives,” said Smit.
The partnership will roll out initiatives such as a national internship program, e-learning platforms, digital identity tools, like e-KYC, financial literacy campaigns, and smart agriculture projects powered by digital connectivity.
Phororo said the partnership builds on the goals of the Digital Compact adopted at the 2024 UN General Assembly, which Namibia co-facilitated.
“Partnering with MTC unlocks vast opportunities to close the digital divide and extend the benefits of a thriving digital economy to all Namibians. This is not just about technology; it is about people. It’s about ensuring every Namibian can participate, prosper, and thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world,” she said.
The UN and MTC will also use MTC’s platforms to share educational and health information, improve rural connectivity, and support climate and food security programs.
Director General of the National Planning Commission, Kaire Mbuende, called on institutions to align their efforts with national goals.
“Namibian institutions must ensure that their strategies and programs directly contribute to national priorities and the SDGs. Partnerships like this one serve as a blueprint for inclusive and impact-driven development,” he said.
Phororo added that 11 UN agencies are supporting the agreement.
“This agreement exemplifies SDG 17—the power of partnerships. But we are going beyond symbolic gestures. This is about co-creating solutions that are scalable, sustainable, and transformative,” she said.
MTC and the UN also committed to regular progress reviews and ongoing cooperation.
