By Catherine Sasman
WINDHOEK
About 250 delegates would assess and deliberate on the acceleration of information communications technologies’ (ICTs) development in Namibia, during a two-day conference starting Thursday.
The event, themed ‘ICTs for Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development’, is being jointly organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Namibian Communications Commission (NCC) and the ICT Alliance, a body that comprises the ICT industry players.
It follows short on the heels of the decisive convention on the Information Communications Bill last week, and like the communications sector, this workshop will allow for a full review of the ICT industry and its legislative environment.
“The establishment of the Namibian ICT policy was a milestone for ICT development in Namibia. Its implementation has now become a priority,” said vice-chairperson of the ICT Alliance, Theo Schoeman.
According to the World Economic Forum Global Competitive Report, Namibia slipped 32 places to its current 84th position out of 119.
Conversely, said Schoeman, Egypt has shot up by 16 places because everyone in that country has access to the Internet, which leads to accelerated education and entrepreneurship.
“Namibia has a poorly developed ICT sector and that is why this conference is so imperative because it will position the country to leapfrog into the future.
ICT usage will enhance Namibia’s economy and competitiveness in the global economy. If we do not develop and strengthen our ICT sector, we will become the orphans of the world.”
The Namibian ICT industry has an annual turnover of about N$1 billion, but said Schoeman, only between N$400 million and N$450 million goes into the sector, with the rest going into the banking, retail and financial industries.
“Most of the IT support to these sectors are done by South African companies, and there is little transfer to the local industry, which is currently in turmoil,” said Schoeman.
South African Minister of Communications, Dr Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri, will deliver the keynote address.
Also from South Africa will be Paul Auchamp, a professional ICT facilitator, who will direct the conference with assistance from members of the Namibian ICT industry.
Professor of Law at UNISA, Tana Pistorius, who was instrumental in drafting Namibia’s E-Law and who has a vast understanding of international ICT trends, will discuss legislative challenges facing the sector.
The second day will be spent on ICT policies and technology convergence and will be led by Rosey Sekese, specialist in ICT infrastructure development with the South African Ministry of Communications.
“For Namibia’s economy to prosper, all sectors must embrace all aspects of ICT, and leverage the convergence technologies,” said Schoeman.
The expected outcome of the conference is the finalisation of Namibia’s ICT policy.