Niël Terblanché
Namibia has positioned itself at the forefront of digital innovation and cybersecurity with the launch of two significant events.
The country is simultaneously hosting the eighth National ICT Summit and the International Cybersecurity Conference and Exhibition 2024.
The hosting of both events is a demonstration of Namibia’s commitment to embracing digital transformation and bolstering cybersecurity measures.
The eighth National ICT Summit, officially launched by the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, is set to take place from September 9 to 11. The summit, themed “Building Resilience to ‘Adapt or Die’ in the Era of Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence,” aims to foster innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing within Namibia’s ICT sector.
In her keynote address, Theofelus highlighted the crucial role of digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) in reshaping societies, economies, and daily lives.
She said that digital transformation enables the reimagining of business models, enhancement of public services, and creation of new employment opportunities.
She, however, also noted the challenges that come with these advancements, such as the need for robust infrastructure, skilled human capital, and forward-thinking legislative frameworks.
Theofelus called for a collaborative effort between the government, private sector, academia, and civil society to create an ecosystem that supports continuous learning, innovation, and adaptation.
She expressed gratitude to the sponsors supporting the summit and urged potential sponsors to join in advancing Namibia’s ICT sector.
Simultaneously, the International Cybersecurity Conference and Exhibition 2024 was officially opened by ICT deputy minister, Modestus Amutse, at the Arebbusch Travel Lodge in Windhoek.
The three-day conference, themed “Emerging Cybersecurity Threats and the Country’s Preparedness to Build a Safer Digital Space,” aims to provide a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange among key stakeholders in the cybersecurity domain.
In his opening remarks, Amutse stressed the importance of cybersecurity in an era defined by rapid technological advancements and increasing interconnectedness.
He said cybersecurity is not merely a technical concern but a fundamental pillar of national security, economic stability, and individual privacy.
He called on stakeholders to collaborate and cooperate in the defence against cybercrimes and cyberattacks, noting that cybercrimes know no boundaries and pose risks to every sector.
“The conference aims to address the evolving challenges of the cybersecurity landscape and develop effective strategies and solutions to safeguard Namibia’s digital infrastructure,” he said.
According to Amutse the conference also focuses on raising awareness about the dangers of cybercrimes and promoting a culture of cyber hygiene.
He said both events reflect Namibia’s proactive stance in addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by digital transformation and cybersecurity.
“Through hosting these world-class initiatives, Namibia aims to build a resilient, adaptive, and innovative digital future for its citizens,” he added.
