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Govt aims to accelerate ICT access

2022-04-29  Staff Reporter

Govt aims to accelerate ICT access

Wilhelmina Iimene 

 

Digital coverage does not effectively include all citizens and digital skills are not necessarily at levels desired to uplift individuals and society, says information deputy minister Emma Theofelus.

However, Namibia stands on the cusp of attaining her developmental aspirations, provided that vast opportunities ushered by digitisation are fully exploited, she added.

Speaking at the 9th Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum 2022 (DRIF22) session recently, Theofelus said: “Standing here today brings that hope to forge forward and meet those aspirations together as a nation. Every one of us is playing our part, and that includes government, the private sector and civil society organisations.”

One of their ministerial strategic goals seek to accelerate ICT development, access and use for an inclusive ICT-smart Namibia as well as enhance unhindered access to information for an informed nation. 

“It’s important for us to develop and maintain strong relationships with our stakeholders in order to consistently work together with the intention of realising its aspirations, and we believe platforms such as these, initiated by independent members of the ICT sector, are crucial to helping us fulfil our national goals,” added the politician.

Also speaking at the event, chairperson of the Digital Foundation of Namibia Erkkie Haipinge reiterated the role of the foundation in supporting initiatives towards developing digital citizenship. 

He emphasised the need for civil society organisations to continue fostering partnerships to supplement the efforts of government in enhancing digital access and rights of all citizens. 

“DRIF attracts diverse members of civil society, the technical community, academia, government and the private sector for shared engagements. The signature event has set its tone as the arena for interrogating the digital environment in Africa, discussing global trends and presenting solutions for tackling the challenges faced,” Haipinge said.

Organised by the Digital Foundation of Namibia, DRIF22 took place under the theme ‘Towards a digitally inclusive and rights respecting Namibia’. It was launched in 2021 to support sustainable and inclusive digital citizenry for all Namibians.

The forum has become a platform where conversations on digital policies in Africa are shaped, policy directions debated, and partnerships forged for action. 

Seven experts spoke on various digital-inclusion topics during the one-day event. 

- imenewilly@gmail.com


2022-04-29  Staff Reporter

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