Erasmus Shalihaxwe
The minister of information and communication technology Emma Theofelus, has urged the youth of Etayi Constituency in the Omusati region to see network connectivity as a gateway to the world.
Speaking at Oikoka village on Thursday during the launch of 25 new network towers by PowerCom, Theofelus told the young people to use connectivity to innovate, learn, create, and engage globally.
“The future of Namibia rests in your ability to take the tools and transform them into opportunities,” she said.
She stressed that connectivity should also serve farmers and traders.
“To every resident of Oikokola, Omusati Region, and other communities in the other regions benefiting from these 25 newly inaugurated network towers: protect these towers. Guard them against vandalism and theft. Treat them as the community’s assets, for indeed, that is what they are.”
Theofelus said the project contributes to Namibia’s national goals. She reminded the gathering that development is a shared responsibility.
“It is not the work of government alone, nor of one company. But a shared responsibility of all for everyone, including leaders, communities, businesses, and young people alike. Because togetherness can create a Namibia that is inclusive, competitive, and globally connected,” she said.
She said the inauguration should be considered the start of a new era.
“Let us imagine Namibia not only as a consumer of technology but also as a contributor to Africa’s digital transformation. Let us raise a generation that not only seeks opportunity but creates it by using the very foundation we lay here today,” she added.
The Oikokola site is one of 25 new towers completed across the country in the past year under the Tower Expansion Project.
PowerCom chief executive officer Beatus Amadhila said the project represents an investment of N$40 million, with each tower costing an average of N$1.6 million.
PowerCom’s portfolio now stands at 318 towers nationwide, up from 276 four years ago.
“At present, 23 more towers are under construction, representing an additional N$34 million investment,” he said.
Amadhila revealed that by September of this year, its footprint will expand to 341 towers nationwide.
He said 33 more towers are already planned for the next financial year, with the construction of 10 expected to commence in the first quarter alone, which is this coming October.
“That will represent a further N$53 million investment in our national connectivity,” Amadhila said.
PowerCom board member Tonata Nghifitikeko praised the management team for delivering on its mandate.
“It is one thing for the board to approve strategy and quite another for a team to bring that strategy to life,” she said.
She said the towers carry more than infrastructure value.
“Towers are not just steel structures. They are bridges to dignity and inclusion. They are proof that Namibia can and will connect every community, no matter how remote.”
