Africa-Press – Namibia. Namibia’s drive toward digital transformation has received a major boost with the launch of Phase II of the Africa-Asia Youth Coding Initiative, a joint effort by Unesco and the Chinese government. Namibian art
The initiative is set to equip learners and teachers with vital coding, digital literacy and artificial intelligence (AI) skills—paving the way for a more inclusive, tech-savvy workforce and supporting the country’s long-term development goals.
The pilot programme includes the handover of 200 tablets to eight selected secondary schools across the country.
In partnership with the ministry of education, arts and culture, as well as the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, the initiative aims to improve access to quality, inclusive digital learning, boost digital literacy and raise awareness of AI among teachers and learners—aligning with Namibia’s Sixth National Development Plan.
During Phase I of the project, which ran from 2021 to 2024, more than 3 000 young people and 350 teachers gained coding skills through after school programmes.
Phase II seeks to integrate coding and AI into Namibia’s formal education system by 2029, reaching all ICT teachers and learners across the country.
Unesco representative to Namibia, Eunice Smith, expressed hope that full and unhindered access to tablets, an enhanced ICT curriculum and better-trained teachers would lead to more students pursuing studies in computer science, coding and AI. She noted that this would ultimately improve learning outcomes and help develop a skilled, tech-savvy workforce to support Namibia’s vision of becoming an industrialised nation.Namibian art
“Unesco remains committed to helping Namibia realise its vision. We will continue to collaborate with the ministries of education, ICT, statutory bodies, commissions, directorates and all relevant stakeholders. In alignment with our mandate, we will continue to provide policy advice, technical support, institutional capacity building, and foster international collaboration,” she said.
Unesco’s private sector partners indicated that additional resources may be made available depending on the success of the pilot phase in the eight schools.
Regional education offices and the National Institute for Educational Development (NIED) will monitor the implementation and support teacher capacity building, ensuring the pilot generates the necessary evidence to inform a national rollout—while ensuring no learner is left behind.
The 200 tablets were donated by Chinese tech companies Codemao and OPPO.
Chinese ambassador to Namibia, Zhao Weiping, noted that AI is a key driver of scientific and technological advancement and industrial transformation.Namibian art
“In today’s world, it’s critical to equip the younger generation with AI knowledge and skills. Youth are the future of all nations, and AI represents the future of the world. Like Unesco, China is committed to supporting AI development in Namibia—through both capacity building and practical application,” he said.
He added that as a global leader in AI development, China is eager to help Global South countries strengthen their capacities and build AI innovation ecosystems, ensuring they benefit equally from the AI revolution and support the implementation of the UNs 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
Also speaking at the event, education executive director Sanet Steenkamp said the initiative is essential in empowering teachers to deliver 21st-century skills in classrooms.
“Our teachers are the backbone of our education system. By equipping them with knowledge of coding, robotics and digital technology, we empower them to prepare our children for the world of tomorrow,” she said.
The initiative also aims to enhance digital literacy among youth and build a generation of innovators capable of diversifying the economy.Namibian art
“When our youth learn to code, they are not just learning a technical skill—they’re learning to solve problems, think creatively and innovate,” she noted.
She emphasised that distributing tablets without a strong curriculum or proper teacher training would be a missed opportunity.
“For this reason, the Youth Coding Initiative has been designed with both elements in mind. We are embedding coding and computational thinking into the education system so that learning these skills becomes systemic and sustainable. With these tablets, we are ensuring that learning is hands-on and engaging for our learners,” she added.
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