4IR task force urges tax reviews
• Electricity, internet access in the spotlight
The task force recommended that the 5G rollout review be fast-tracked.
Namibia's readiness for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) faces significant hurdles due to inadequate electrification and connectivity, particularly in rural areas - with the current electrification rate of 56% leaving a substantial portion of communities in darkness.
The 4IR Task Force, which recently presented its final report on the state of 4IR readiness in Namibia to President Hage Geingob, urged a review of taxes and customs duties for information and communications technology (ICT) equipment and gadgets in general, as these pose a challenge for uptake of 4IR activities by the citizenry as well as infrastructure developers.
It also recommended that the 5G rollout review be fast-tracked in a way that clearly stipulates the value and benefits for the sector and regularly offers reports to manage public expectations and awareness.
“Rural healthcare facilities prove to be a concern, as many such facilities are not connected to electricity and connectivity, thus not making universal healthcare provision a reality.
“Likewise, 1 300 schools are not connected to the internet. More cell towers and improved bandwidth capacity are required all over the country, especially in rural areas. However, there is limited cooperation among telecommunications providers regarding infrastructure structure. Namibia should invest in improvements to the current infrastructure and backbone as the new green hydrogen initiatives demand high-speed internet.”
Investment
To address these challenges, the task force engaged in discussions with key stakeholders such as the Electricity Control Board, Nored, NamPower and the National Council.
“An average of 77% of respondents indicated a lack of capital or funds for investment in 4IR as a significant barrier for adoption of 4IR and digital technologies. Respondents indicated that budgets are inadequate for upgrades and maintenance of infrastructure,” the report found.
“Funding can be considered on two levels. The first consideration is adequate ICT budgetary provisions for [government offices, ministries and agencies], specifically the Office of the Prime Minister and the information ministry, who have inadequate budgets for ICT needs.
“The second component is to attract investments in ICT for infrastructure, human capital development, entrepreneurs and community development. The cultural creative industries inclusive of ICT and digital technologies should fall under the priority lists for investments. Equally equity financing should be prioritised for tech start-ups,” it said.
[email protected]
The 4IR Task Force, which recently presented its final report on the state of 4IR readiness in Namibia to President Hage Geingob, urged a review of taxes and customs duties for information and communications technology (ICT) equipment and gadgets in general, as these pose a challenge for uptake of 4IR activities by the citizenry as well as infrastructure developers.
It also recommended that the 5G rollout review be fast-tracked in a way that clearly stipulates the value and benefits for the sector and regularly offers reports to manage public expectations and awareness.
“Rural healthcare facilities prove to be a concern, as many such facilities are not connected to electricity and connectivity, thus not making universal healthcare provision a reality.
“Likewise, 1 300 schools are not connected to the internet. More cell towers and improved bandwidth capacity are required all over the country, especially in rural areas. However, there is limited cooperation among telecommunications providers regarding infrastructure structure. Namibia should invest in improvements to the current infrastructure and backbone as the new green hydrogen initiatives demand high-speed internet.”
Investment
To address these challenges, the task force engaged in discussions with key stakeholders such as the Electricity Control Board, Nored, NamPower and the National Council.
“An average of 77% of respondents indicated a lack of capital or funds for investment in 4IR as a significant barrier for adoption of 4IR and digital technologies. Respondents indicated that budgets are inadequate for upgrades and maintenance of infrastructure,” the report found.
“Funding can be considered on two levels. The first consideration is adequate ICT budgetary provisions for [government offices, ministries and agencies], specifically the Office of the Prime Minister and the information ministry, who have inadequate budgets for ICT needs.
“The second component is to attract investments in ICT for infrastructure, human capital development, entrepreneurs and community development. The cultural creative industries inclusive of ICT and digital technologies should fall under the priority lists for investments. Equally equity financing should be prioritised for tech start-ups,” it said.
[email protected]
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