Namibia has reached a milestone in transforming its digital future and emergency response systems with the simultaneous launch of the National Digital Strategy 2025-28 (NDS) and National Emergency Telecommunications Plan (NETP) respectively.
These align with the latest National Development Plan (NDP), launched by president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, at the end of July.
The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology unveiled the NDS and NETP on Tuesday in Windhoek.
NETP utilises the power of ICTs to enhance disaster management in the country, which increasingly suffers spells of flooding and drought, attributed to climate change. Mobile network operators are to play a key role in the plan.
"Technology plays a prominent role in disaster detection, mitigation, prevention, preparedness, response, recovery and rehabilitation," said Linda Aipinge-Nakale, executive director of the ministry.
She also lauded the NDS as Namibia's blueprint and pathway into embracing digitalisation and innovation for socioeconomic development.
"It outlines a bold vision for Namibia in the next three years.
"It aims to bridge the digital divide by building a vibrant digital economy and empowering our citizens, especially the youth with the skills they need to succeed in the fourth industrial revolution and beyond."
The key focus of the NDS is digital literacy, enhancing digital public services and driving digital innovation, which Aipinge-Nakale said, aimed to present unprecedented economic opportunities for all in the country of over three million citizens.
NDS and NETP are collaborations between government, the private sector and civil society, academia and development agencies.
At the launch, an NDS think-tank committee was announced to oversee the implementation of the strategy and play an advisory role to the government.
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