WINDHOEK – Computer programmers and software developers came together last weekend to present their best innovative data programs using open sourced processes. The event presented a platform to learn and discuss global trends in open data utilisation. It focused on the opportunities within the innovative landscape and how such innovative opportunities could benefit the country socially and economicaly.
The event was organised by South African Innovation Support (SAIS) together with the Namibia Business Innovation Institute (NBII), the Namibia Statistics Agency and 1 Billion Africa.
“It was the first-ever open data innovation hackathon,” said Silas Newaka of SAIS, who also described the event as successful. Six new ideas were identified and these ideas would be used to improve in the areas of mobile application and the open data awareness, Newaka said.
Newaka said there would be regular events that would form the basis for creating sustainable infrastructure in Namibia. “We believe that this is just the beginning of the open data movement that will hopefully gauge the civil society aspect of open government, open society,” he said.