Windhoek
Access to affordable information communication technology (ICT), as well as improving ICT infrastructure for Namibians, are critical issues government still needs to address, admitted ICT Deputy Minister Stanley Simataa.
“Unless we expand ICT infrastructure the ICT gap will widen. Once we have done that then ordinary Namibian will no longer be constrained by unaffordable services,” noted Simataa yesterday during the launch of the second national ICT Summit, which is scheduled for October 6 and 7 at the Windhoek Country Club.
“The future is a digitally enabled future. Without ICT we will continue to be left behind. We also need to address digital literacy and promote ICT literacy,” remarked the deputy minister. However, Simataa warned that connected Namibians need to use ICT in a productive way and not just for social media and entertainment.
The ministry will be hosting the second ICT summit under the theme ‘Bridging the Digital Gap.’ The summit brings together all industry stakeholders, including government, businesses, professionals, consumers and academia, to reflect on ICT trends and challenges facing the global industry and Namibia in particular.
Additionally, the summit will define the roadmap for the development and effective integration of technology and is expected to clarify the agenda for improved competitiveness in the ICT sector.
The annual summit also aims to strengthen the interface between government and major players in the ICT sector through sharing information, particularly on latest trends.
“ICT is a vital tool in achieving government’s main national priorities of economic growth inclusive of the attendant primary objective of poverty eradication and shared prosperity for all Namibians. As a government, through the ICT ministry, we are duty-bound to ensure the creation of an enabling ICT environment, which can contribute more effectively toward improving people’s lives in the workplace, in their homes and in their community. We must find creative ways and means to use technology and to give citizens a greater voice in demanding the requisite services and also in holding their respective representatives accountable,” noted Simataa.
The ICT summit has been described as an ideal opportunity to bring together strategic stakeholders to forge partnerships that will deliver innovative ICT outcomes to consolidate good governance and the provision of much-needed ICT services throughout the country.
According to the summit’s organizers, at least 20 exhibitors are expected, including private businesses as well as institutions of higher learning. Exhibitors and other participants are expected to cover the full spectrum of ICT issues.