Windhoek: The 8th National ICT summit got underway here on Monday , with a strong focus on how Namibia can optimise on opportunities presented by the digital age . The summit brings together industry experts , innovators and policy – makers , among others . The summit is held under the theme ‘ Building Resilience to ‘ Adapt or Die ‘ in the Era of Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence ( AI )’ and is aimed at exploring the best approaches on how the country can position itself firmly on the digital transformation path . The summit is also expected to discuss emerging trends and challenges in the ICT sector both locally and globally , as the country places itself on an ICT trajectory . Officially opening the summit , ICT Minister , Emma Theofelus , underscored the importance of clear and tested policies that guide how the country could harness the full potential that is presented by digital technologies . She said there is a need for various government agencies and structures to align their efforts
in how they make use of ICT in efforts to reap the best results . The minister said currently government structures continue to work in isolation and have no concerted efforts in rolling out ICT plans for their various agencies and departments . ‘ I have noticed that we are working in silos where everyone has some form of policy on ICT , but such policies do not often speak to each other . We cannot continue to have a fragmented approach to policies and opportunities as it will defeat the purpose ,’ she said . Theofelus said the newly embarked upon National Digital Strategy is therefore vital in steering the country towards a more unified approach to matters relating to ICT . The National Digital Strategy and its implementation action plan supports the country ‘ s digital aspirations through a clear plan with specific objectives that include assessing digital readiness ; crafting a digital vision ; targeting high – impact areas ; developing a concrete action plan and boosting public awareness . Highlighting t
he potential of Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) in advancing technological development , Theofelus said there are however ethical considerations and protection of rights amongst others that need to be interrogated to make AI have the desired results . ‘ We are on the right path and will not stop to make sure our citizens take advantage of technological development . We don ‘ t want someone who is older than 15 years but cannot use a computer ; we cannot have a citizenry that is unable to do business online , get education and leverage on various opportunities provided by online opportunities ,’ she said . ICT ministry ‘ s Executive Director , Audrin Mathe , said Namibia should brace itself for more advancement in the world on digital technology . He said the country is working on various strategies that could ease up the government workflow process amongst others . ‘ We are living in a time where the cellphone and other ICT devices are becoming even more important than a car , as owning such devices could open
the doors to a wider digital audience that allow for ease of access remotely ,’ he said . The summit ends on Wednesday .

Source: The Namibia News Agency