Theofelus targets total youth digital uplift

Information minister Emma Theofelus envisions moving a digitally illiterate young Namibian to semi-digitally literate and becoming an expert.Theofelus made these remarks at Tuesday's Huawei Partner Connect gala dinner in Windhoek. Last year, the information ministry signed the Namibia LEAP Digital Talent Program 2024 with Huawei Technologies Namibia in Shenzhen, China.Through this partnership, the ministry plans to cultivate local ICT talent, create new student internship opportunities, and lay the foundation for a new generation of innovators, developers, and problem-solvers who will drive Namibia’s digital transformation. The LEAP programme will focus on skills-building and empowering the youth with the confidence and exposure needed to thrive in a highly competitive global digital economy.Four critical areasThe minister reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to working hand in hand with Huawei and all ICT stakeholders in four critical areas outlined in the digital strategy.Theofilus said that Namibia must first ensure that every Namibian, from rural communities to urban centres, has the opportunity to become digitally literate. "Basic digital skills must become as fundamental as reading and writing," she said. Secondly, she explained, connectivity expansion must accelerate universal access to high-speed internet, particularly in underserved and remote areas. "Connectivity must not be a privilege, but a right, an enabler of education, healthcare, and economic participation, hence, the Universal Service and Access Fund, which in this financial year has received N$40 million to expand infrastructure to complement the work of MNOs,” the minister said.Competitive ICT workforceTraining and capacity building are the third critical area where programmes like LEAP and the ongoing collaboration seek to build a strong, skilled, and competitive ICT workforce. "We welcome industry-led initiatives that complement our efforts in upskilling and professional development," she added. The last critical area is innovation ecosystems, where Namibia envisions a place where start-ups thrive, innovation is supported, and the youth perceive ICT as a field of study and opportunity. Theofelus called upon the partners to assist in building incubators, innovation hubs, and centres of excellence.“Guided by our national development frameworks, including Vision 2030 and the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), the Government of the Republic of Namibia has prioritised ICT development as a fundamental enabler of economic growth, social inclusion, and national competitiveness. "We understand that an inclusive digital economy cannot flourish without robust infrastructure, a digitally literate population, and meaningful partnerships,” she said.nikanor@nmh-hub.com.na

Theofelus targets total youth digital uplift

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-15

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Theofelus targets total youth digital uplift

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-15

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