Mauritius has invited Namibia and other African countries to deepen cooperation in digital technology, as both sides look to grow investment in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector.
Speaking at the Namibia–Mauritius Business ICT Forum, Mauritius Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Avinash Ramtohul, said his country is ready to work closely with Africa as a trusted digital partner.
The Business Forum was hosted by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) in collaboration with the Economic Development Board of Mauritius (EDB) and focused on the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, with particular emphasis on digital services, innovation, and technology-driven business solutions.
The forum comes as African countries push to strengthen digital cooperation and attract investment to support economic growth.
Ramtohul said Mauritius began its digital journey as early as 1977, building systems for key government departments such as finance, industry and human resources. Over the years, the country has expanded its digital capacity through partnerships and knowledge sharing with other African nations.
He said cooperation between countries in the Global South is now more important than ever. “We need stronger collaboration to make collective progress,” he said.
Mauritius has positioned itself as a regional technology hub, with full fibre internet coverage and strong mobile connectivity. The country also aims to serve as a bridge between Asia and Africa in the development of artificial intelligence (AI).
Ramtohul said Mauritius has already prepared its national AI strategy and data governance framework. These are supported by a data protection law aligned with international standards, including European regulations. He added that Mauritius is investing in data centres and digital infrastructure to serve both government and private sector clients across Africa.
“We are ready to exchange knowledge and grow together with our African partners,” he said.
Ndeyapo Shilongo, acting executive for investment at the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), highlighted opportunities for investors in Namibia’s growing digital economy.
Shilongo said Namibia’s mobile penetration rate stands at about 88%, but many rural areas still lack access due to high infrastructure costs. She said the government is working to improve regulation and attract investment into underserved areas.
“We have a stable legal system and improving policies to support investors,” she said.
She pointed to several key sectors open for collaboration, including fintech, mobile payments, cybersecurity and business process outsourcing. Shilongo said Namibia needs better digital payment systems to help creators and small businesses earn income, especially in rural areas where access to banks is limited.
She also warned that rising cyber threats require more investment in cybersecurity.
Namibia is further developing its digital infrastructure, including plans for government data centres and expansion of network connectivity. The country is also connected to major undersea cables, improving internet access.
Shilongo said Namibia has a young and growing talent pool that can support ICT industries, especially in outsourcing services.
The NIPDB supports investors by helping them access government services and resolve challenges after they set up operations.
“We want investors not only to come, but to grow and expand in Namibia,” she said.
She also promoted Namibia as a destination for digital professionals, highlighting its new digital nomad visa, which allows remote workers to stay and work in the country for up to six months.