Niël Terblanché
Stakeholders in the Namibian communication industry have been urged to collaborate more closely to ensure that every citizen can benefit from the digital age.
Emma Theofelus, the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, during the groundbreaking ceremony for PowerCom’s Howobees network tower in the Keetmanshoop Rural Constituency on Thursday, made the call and said the tower will be yet another step in bridging the digital divide in Namibia.
“Let us work together to ensure that every Namibian has the opportunity to thrive in the digital age,” she said while stressing the need for continued collaboration among government entities, industry players, and local communities.
Theofelus reiterated the importance of collective efforts in overcoming the challenges that hinder digital access, particularly in rural areas.
According to Theofelus, the development of these towers marks a “giant leap forward in Namibia’s digital journey,” offering rural communities access to reliable network services, which are essential for economic growth, education, and social development.
Theofelus praised the collaborative spirit that has driven the project, acknowledging the efforts of PowerCom, Telecom Namibia, and other stakeholders in making these advancements possible.
“The ‘Smart Namibia’ strategy and the ‘Access for All’ programmes are central to the government’s vision of transforming Namibia into a digitally inclusive nation,” she said.
The minister pointed out that the initiatives focus on expanding broadband connectivity, particularly in underserved areas like Keetmanshoop and the surrounding rural areas in the Karas region, ensuring that all Namibians can participate in and benefit from the opportunities provided by digital technologies.
She recognised the strategic importance of the telecommunications industry in Namibia’s economic future, particularly in the context of emerging industries like green hydrogen and new oil discoveries.
“All involved parties should continue their efforts in building a connected Namibia where no one is left behind in the digital age,” she urged.
The Howobees network tower is part of PowerCom’s ambitious project to construct 20 network towers across Namibia by September 2024.
The initiative, valued at approximately N$32 million, represents more than just the physical construction of infrastructure. It will eventually become a key component of Namibia’s broader strategy to achieve digital inclusivity.
The completion of the Howobees tower, expected within 60 days, concluded PowerCom’s recent series of groundbreaking ceremonies, which spanned from the Zambezi to the Karas regions.
“This initiative illustrates the transformative power of partnership and sets the stage for a more digitally inclusive and prosperous Namibia,” the minister said.
