Stefanus Nashama
India and Namibia have inaugurated a Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT) at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust), which the two countries cite as a new digital journey to keep a strong relationship between them.
The CEIT originates from the bilateral agreement between these two countries. The agreement aims to build capacity in the ITC sectors and to boost current research using high-performance computing.
The Centre is equipped with state-of-the-art IT infrastructure, performance computing for researchers and professionals, fully functional tabs with the internet, a library with technical books and course reference material, conferencing system, and advanced programs at NQF Level 7 amongst others.
Speaking at the inauguration event on Monday, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the CEIT is a symbol of achievement between India and Namibia, and a bridge between the academy and IT sectors.
“I would like to acknowledge this new digital agreement and inauguration of CEIT at Nust. This enables us to learn about new topics, research and develop new ideas and connect with other parts of the world,” she acknowledged.
She said CEIT came as an outcome of the partnership and cooperation between India and Namibia, through the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation.
She also emphasized that the Centre of Excellence in IT adds another development to the access of information and knowledge between two countries, and empowers academics with computing skills.
Nandi-Ndaitwah indicated that India and Namibia have had a good relationship, and the two countries will continue to bring about more development.
Meanwhile, India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said the CEIT agreement is a ‘new symbol of a partnership’ between Namibia and India.
Jaishankar further said offering the most demanding and advanced skills in development technology programs is a true reflection of the larger achievement between the two countries.
“This is not just a well job done between India and Namibia, it is possibly a motivation and latest strong relationship,” he said.
Jaishankar stressed that the world has changed to digital, and for India and Namibia to work closely together, there is a need for CEIT for the two countries to communicate and cooperate at the current level of technology.
Jaishankar who also paid a courtesy to President Hage Geingob at the State House on Monday signed the inaugural joint on cooperation between India and Namibia.
In a speech read on behalf of the Nust’s Pro-Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Andrew Niikondo, the institution acknowledged the CEIT as a great academic opportunity to empower the institutions, IT sectors, and the two countries with relevant skills.
