Digital divide hinders growth - Theofelus

Information and communication technology minister Emma Theofelus says economically, the digital divide undoubtedly stifles the potential for growth in communities that lack connectivity.Theofelus made these remarks on Monday during the groundbreaking ceremony for the PowerCom Tower in Ikumwe in the Zambezi Region.“Considering that just a few years ago, only about half of the Namibian population had access to the internet... indicates the significant transformation that still needs to occur on a national scale in order to fully unleash the potential of Namibia&#039;s digital future. Had we not consciously and diligently embarked on this digital transformation of the nation as a whole, the digital divide would have held back our national development, which extends beyond just access to technology,” she said.Deprived of opportunities According to her, the government realised that the gap would be a significant barrier for students in digitally underserved communities.“They would be deprived of the vast educational resources and opportunities that could be the very catalyst for their advancement. This would, in turn, affect future employability and economic mobility. Similarly, in healthcare, the absence of telemedicine and digital health services in rural and remote areas has exacerbated health inequalities for decades,” she said. “Now, with enhanced, reliable connectivity, we can ensure that individuals get timely and potentially life-saving interventions, support and services. This is of particular importance in our country, where there are many instances where vast distances exist between people&#039;s residences and health centres. Economically, the digital divide undoubtedly stifles the potential for growth in communities that lack connectivity. Local businesses in areas with poor digital infrastructure cannot meaningfully compete in the broader digital marketplace, which means they miss out on opportunities for expansion and innovation,” Theofelus said.Limited participation The minister added that the ripple effect is economic stagnation that limits job creation and reinforces cycles of poverty and underdevelopment. "As seen in the grand scheme of things, the digital divide undermines our democratic engagement because those without access to or the skills to navigate digital platforms are limited in their participation in digital civic activities, further sidelining them from policy discussions and decisions that impact their lives. For our government, bridging this divide is not simply a technical challenge but a societal necessity to ensure equitable access to the opportunities availed by the digital age,” she said.nikanor@erongo.com.na

Digital divide hinders growth - Theofelus

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-27

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Digital divide hinders growth - Theofelus

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-27

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