Staff writer
Legislation alone will not solve Namibia’s growing cyber crisis, according to Mach 10, part of the O&L Group.
The company says the country faces a serious shortage of ICT professionals, especially in cybersecurity, network engineering, cloud computing and systems administration.
The warning comes as the Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response team, housed at the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran), recorded over 1.1 million cyber threats and over 1.09 million vulnerabilities in the first half of 2025. This is the highest number since the national cybersecurity body was created.
“These alarming figures underscore a reality that can no longer be ignored: without adequate protection and skilled professionals, Namibian businesses and citizens remain dangerously exposed to data breaches, ransomware, digital fraud and identity theft,” Mach 10 said in a statement.
In October, minister of information and communication technology Emma Theofelus said that new laws are being finalised to protect personal data and national infrastructure.
However, Mach 10 stressed that laws alone will not solve the problem without trained professionals to implement and maintain strong digital security systems.
To help close the skills gap, Mach 10 announced that applications are open for the 2026 intake of its XT Training Programme.
Christian Mücke, Mach 10’s human capital manager, said the 18-month training programme, established in 2005, bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world ICT practice by equipping participants to work on live systems with experienced engineering teams.
“With access to enterprise-grade tools, data centres and client sites, participants gain the hands-on experience that transforms graduates into skilled practitioners. The programme has produced numerous success stories, with alumni transitioning into permanent roles at Mach 10, advancing into engineering and specialist positions or joining operating companies within the O&L Group and the broader ICT sector,” said Mücke.
Mach 10 said that while digital transformation is central to achieving vision 2030’s goal of a knowledge-based, competitive economy, Namibia does not yet have enough professionals to drive that transformation.
“The challenge lies in the disconnect between classroom theory and the practical, hands-on experience that employers desperately need. Mach 10 is proud to play a vital role in addressing this national challenge. Rather than simply recruiting experienced professionals or relying on foreign expertise, the company has invested nearly two decades in developing homegrown talent who understand local contexts and clients. This philosophy directly supports the national transformation goals outlined in NDP6 and Vision 2030, strengthening the entire industry while promoting local job creation and knowledge transfer.”
Mach 10 said it remains committed to building Namibia’s digital future by investing in young talent.
“The XT Programme is not only a training opportunity, it’s a launchpadfor long-term careers in technology. As our nation grapples with unprecedented cyber threats, we need curious, disciplined young people with problem-solving mindsets who are ready to embrace continuous learning and make a real difference.”
Caption
XT Programme graduates with Annalize van der Merwe, Mach 10 managing director. All six trainees passed their training and are now employed at Mach 10. From left to right: Jordyn Ross, Damian Beukes, Celiano Mathys, Ivan Mendos and Jacinto Josef.
- Photo: Contributed
