Africa-Press – Namibia. Empowering citizens with skills to participate in the digital economy is central to the government’s plan to close the digital divide, minister of information and communication technology Emma Theofelus said on Thursday.
Speaking at the high-level ICT stakeholders’ engagement in Eenhana, she said improved digital access must go hand in hand with digital literacy.
“We must empower citizens with the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy,” she said.
She added that connectivity without capability is not progress.
Theofelus said the country is entering a new phase of its mission to expand digital inclusion, with rural communities now at the centre of the national ICT agenda.
“The digital divide exists in every region, and Ohangwena is no exception,” she said.
She noted that the government remains committed to ensuring that every citizen has access to ICT services and products, regardless of where they live.
She announced that funds had been allocated for a three-year national program to roll out network towers across remote areas.
The programme is meant to support the Universal Service Fund and marks one of the most significant rural connectivity drives in recent years.
“Yesterday I commissioned a network tower in Epinga village, the first beneficiary of this programme,” she said.
“For years, this community had no proper coverage. This tower is not just infrastructure; it is opportunity.”
She said more towers are planned for underserved areas across the country.
As access expands, Theofelus stressed the need for digital safety.
“We must ensure that as we expand access, our citizens are protected. Building a connected nation means nothing if our people are not safe online,” she said.
ICT laws are also nearing completion. These include the Data Protection Bill, the Cybercrime Bill, and regulations on electronic signatures, all of which aim to strengthen legal protections for internet users and businesses.
She said digital literacy programmes will continue through Rural ICT Centres to ensure that new infrastructure leads to real inclusion.
Theofelus also highlighted the first national mega hackathon, which brought together young innovators to create solutions for government services. The official report is expected next week.
She pointed to efforts to strengthen digital opportunities in creative industries. Film hubs in Zambezi and Oshikoto will be piloted to support young filmmakers, while NBC has disbursed N$13.6 million to freelancers to support the creative sector.
Theofelus called on ICT players, regulators, regional authorities, innovators and development partners to work together.
“Let us harness the power of ICT to transform our nation, improve our livelihoods, and create a brighter future for our citizens,” she said. She added that the government cannot act alone and that collaboration is essential.
The engagement brought together regional leaders, industry executives, ICT experts and civil society representatives.
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