WINDHOEK: The Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology (MICT) on Tuesday officially launched the Eighth National Information Communication Technology (ICT) Summit set to take place between 9-11 September this year.
The launch coincided with a sponsorship handover of N.dollars 1010 000 in monetary value and N.dollars 456 000 in kind from the various sponsors who will also form part of the summit.
Launching the summit, ICT Minister Emma Theofelus said this year’s theme ‘Building Resilience to ‘Adapt or Die’ in the Era of Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence (AI)’ is not only timely but also critical as the country navigates the fast-paced evolution of technology.
Theofelus said in today’s world, digital transformation and AI are not merely trends but are the driving forces reshaping societies, economies, and day-to-day lives. Therefore, ‘The imperative to ‘adapt or die’ encapsulates the urgency with which we must embrace these technological advancements to ensure our nation’s com
petitiveness, resilience, and prosperity,’ she added.
According to Theofelus, while digital transformation presents unprecedented opportunities for innovation, economic growth, and social advancement, it also brings challenges that ‘require robust infrastructure, skilled human capital, and forward-thinking legislative and policy frameworks to harness its full potential and mitigate associated risks.’
The minister further said that AI, a key component of the digital revolution holds transformative power across various sectors and can enhance efficiency, drive innovation, and deliver improved outcomes.
‘Yet the integration of AI into our system must be approached with caution, ensuring ethical standards, transparency, and inclusivity,’ she said.
On his part, the Deputy Minister of ICT, Modestus Amutse said the summit allows for robust discussions on innovations and trials throughout the industry and allows Namibians to learn and embrace the digital transformation brought about by AI.
‘We ought to work toge
ther and deliberate on how we can ensure that Namibia is one of the leading countries in digital evolution in Africa and that it is not left behind in artificial intelligence advancements,’ he said.
Source: The Namibia News Agency