The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) says Namibia must translate its growing digital infrastructure and technology adoption into jobs and income opportunities as unemployment and poverty remain key socio-economic challenges.
MICT Executive Director Linda Nakale said affordable internet, digital skills and access to online platforms could enable more young Namibians to find employment, acquire new skills and establish businesses.
Speaking at the 9th ICT Summit, Nakale said digital transformation should be measured by its impact on livelihoods rather than technological advancement alone.
“The theme means that ICT should not only advance technology but also improve people’s lives, create economic opportunities, reduce inequality, and ensure that all Namibians can participate in and benefit from the digital economy,” she said.
The 2026 summit is being held under the theme “Harnessing ICT for Inclusive Growth: Digital Pathways to Reduce Unemployment and Eradicate Poverty.”
Nakale said greater connectivity could also open markets for small-scale farmers, traders and artisans by allowing them to reach customers and access services digitally.
Achieving that would require lower data costs, wider national broadband coverage, improved digital literacy and increased investment in technology infrastructure outside Windhoek.
The ministry is also pushing for digital literacy to be incorporated into the education system to better equip young people for employment and entrepreneurship in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
“Attendees expect aggressive strategy sessions concerning national broadband expansion, the lowering of data costs, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimise local industries,” Nakale said.
The summit is also focusing on how artificial intelligence can be deployed across Namibian industries to improve productivity and technological competitiveness.
Government policymakers, technology companies, financial institutions, academic institutions and innovators are participating in the event, with discussions expected to focus on practical measures that can be implemented beyond the summit.
A youth hackathon running from Wednesday to Friday will also challenge young innovators to develop digital prototypes addressing community problems, with opportunities for promising projects to attract investment and incubation support.
Nakale said Namibia had already made progress through the National Digital Strategy, broadband expansion, e-government services and digital skills development, but broader participation remained necessary.
“Yet inclusive digital growth requires collective effort. Government, industry, academia, development partners, civil society, and young innovators must work together to ensure that no one is left behind,” she said.
The ministry wants the summit to produce practical interventions that expand access to technology and position digitalisation as a tool for employment creation, entrepreneurship and poverty reduction rather than an end in itself.
