By Tuwilika Nafuka
This past week has been momentous for Namibia’s role in global digital transformation. President Nangolo Mbumba and ICT Minister Emma Theofelus held a significant meeting with Elon Musk to discuss potential Tesla and Starlink investments in Namibia.
This meeting is a pivotal development for the country, as Starlink’s satellite technology can potentially influence longstanding infrastructure and internet connectivity challenges. Minister Theofelus, as a woman leading these discussions, exemplifies the crucial role women play in shaping Namibia’s digital future, and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) ‘Women Going Digital’ Namibia event, which concluded the week, is a testament to the critical role women are playing in this journey not only in Namibia but globally.
The Women Going Digital project, launched in Namibia in 2023 aims to close the gender gap in digital literacy and empower women with essential skills for the digital age. This year, 49 women from diverse fields of aviation, health, education, media, IT, and law were awarded certificates on the 27th of September at the Weinberg Hotel. As Christina Pflandl noted in her keynote address, the program signifies a commitment to lifelong learning, ensuring that women actively participate in shaping the future of digital transformation.
I had the pleasure of participating in the panel discussion alongside Valme Kruger, Ruusa Ipinge, and Vitalis Haupindi, we explored the future of Namibia’s digital landscape and how technology can address societal challenges.
Valme Kruger, Founder of Multicode & MultiBank Technology Companies, shared her experience breaking into the male-dominated IT field and focusing on Virtual Reality. She brought some Virtual Reality (VR) devices, allowing us to experience VR firsthand. Valme’s success demonstrates the importance of including women in developing emerging technologies, ensuring they are at the forefront of innovation.
Ruusa Ipinge, a Lecturer in Data Science and Data Protection at NUST, raised the issue of digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, which mirrors the challenges we face in digital health. She emphasized the need to align our technological innovations with legal frameworks that protect data privacy and security. Ruusa’s insights reminded us that digital transformation is not just about technology, it’s about creating safe, ethical systems for all users.
Vitalis Haupindi, CEO of YYeni AI, discussed the AI solution his company is currently trialing to address Namibia’s education crisis. His AI tool is designed to support teachers in overcrowded classrooms, offering a scalable solution to improve learning outcomes. Vitalis’s approach illustrated how technology can be integrated responsibly, providing much-needed assistance in critical sectors without displacing workers.
As Director of TupaBloom Care, I focused on Digital Health Transformation, particularly in Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) innovation and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) advocacy. I discussed how digital platforms, including telemedicine solutions like Dr MacQ and Patient Care, can improve access to health services for underserved communities. I emphasized that robust data protection policies will ensure the ethical use of patient information.
What emerged from the panel was a shared belief in the transformative power of technology that is ethical and guided by sound policies, as a tool for innovation, and as a means of addressing pressing social issues in Namibia.
As Namibia works toward digital transformation, the meeting between Elon Musk, President Mbumba, and Minister Theofelus could be a game-changer. The potential Starlink investment promises to bridge the digital divide, giving more Namibians access to the internet and providing a foundation for digital innovations across various sectors.
Reflecting on the discussions at the ‘Women Going Digital’ event, I am optimistic about Namibia’s future. These types of projects not only equip women with digital skills but also ensure that women are integral to shaping the future of Namibia’s digital landscape.
*Tuwilika Nafuka is an innovative STEM medical professional, social justice advocate, and Digital Health Transformation champion, passionate about leveraging technology to revolutionize healthcare systems
