Niël Terblanché
The executive director of the ministry of information and communication technology, Audrin Mathe, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a digitally inclusive, secure, and connected Namibia.
Speaking at the 2025 Tech Huddle in Windhoek, Mathe said digital literacy, universal connectivity, and innovation must guide the country’s path toward global digital participation.
“We gather today to create a vision for a digitally transformed Namibia. Our vision extends beyond mere technological adoption. We envision a Namibia where digital literacy becomes as fundamental as reading and writing, where high-speed connectivity is recognised as a right rather than a privilege,” he said.
He pointed to the International Monetary Fund’s 2024 ranking of Namibia as the ninth most prepared African country for artificial intelligence adoption.
He said the recognition reflects efforts in policy, infrastructure, and partnerships.
Mathe said the government allocated N$40 million to the Universal Service and Access Fund for 2025 to reach national broadband speeds of 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload by 2026.
Current infrastructure projects include expanding Fibre to the X and rolling out 5G-enabled mobile base stations.
“These initiatives are integral to expanding and modernising our network infrastructure to meet growing connectivity demands,” he said.
Mathe highlighted cybersecurity as a priority. A partnership between the Ministry and Salt Essential IT has led to the rollout of a National Cybersecurity Strategy and an awareness campaign.
“This strategic alliance focuses on influencing safer online behaviour and instilling a culture of cyber-hygiene,” he said.
The campaign includes a virtual training programme with weekly public sessions on cybersecurity topics, offered at no cost.
Mathe also spoke about the Namibia LEAP Digital Talent Programme, launched in August 2024 in collaboration with Huawei Technologies Namibia.
“This programme is designed to equip young Namibians with the skills needed to participate meaningfully in the global digital economy,” he said. The initiative aims to develop youth from being digitally illiterate to fully skilled professionals.
He pointed to the broader innovation ecosystem that includes the Namibian Innovation Hub, Basecamp Business Incubator, Namibia Business Innovation Institute, and the Faculty of Computing and Informatics at NUST.
He said these institutions support start-ups and nurture local tech talent.
“The journey ahead requires sustained collaboration between government and private sector partners,” Mathe said.
He called on telecommunications firms, ICT companies, and educational institutions to invest in people and infrastructure.
“Together, we will transform our society into a digital future that allows our next generations and those to come to thrive,” he said.
Mathe said the Tech Huddle shows what is possible when government, industry, and civil society work together.
“Today’s event is a reflection of what is possible. It is a space to share ideas, challenge assumptions and spark the kind of innovation that serves not only business but serves people,” he said.
