PowerCom boosts connectivity in Zambezi

Telecom Namibia’s sister company PowerCom held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new network tower on Monday at Ikumwe in the Zambezi Region.The event signified the government&#039;s dedication to harnessing technology&#039;s power, promoting digital literacy and providing access to citizen-centric digital public services.Speaking at the event, information and communication technology minister Emma Theofelus said the government’s goal is to ensure that no part of Namibia has difficulty accessing mainstream services because of its distance from the capital city, Windhoek, or regional offices.“You might recall that in March this year, just before the independence celebrations that happened in the region for the very first time, I crisscrossed the Zambezi Region. I made it to the island. I took note of the areas with little to no connectivity and engaged the community and traditional leaders. Therefore, the construction of this tower and two other towers in Nakabolelwa and Mutikila and other areas of the great Zambezi Region will provide access to information and communication technology,” she said. “Breaking ground for a new tower here fills us with great satisfaction because current statistics indicate that 71.1% of our population is under 35. This is the age bracket that is termed the digital generation," the minister noted.IT integrationTheofelus said the inclusivity of youth in the international arena depends on prompt access to information and services, as well as affordable and reliable connectivity."In an era where classes at all levels of academia are now held online, business is conducted virtually, and local and international news, in real-time, is shared remotely, having a tower in Ikumwe is a timely milestone,” she said.The minister said Namibia has successfully implemented an online passport application system and is on track to provide even more services that would cancel the need for physical travel.“We will continue to enhance these services through PowerCom and our other able and dedicated partners. We express our gratitude to the community and the leadership here in Ikumwe for embracing this opportunity," the minister said.Theofelus added that this initiative will empower the youth, the country&#039;s future leaders, to acquire the necessary skills to utilise technology and create innovative solutions."We are committed to ensuring that, together with the rest of the country, our youth are digitally literate and able to engage, unfettered, in e-commerce and other online services. While young people are seen as the natives of the digital age, there is no reason for those who are older to exclude themselves from the massive benefits available."Vast opportunities Theofelus encouraged lifelong learning through formal education and up-skilling opportunities to ensure that the workforce remains relevant, adaptable and resilient in the face of technological disruption.“The opportunities are vast, they are here and your time is now. In addition, you have your government, able and willing, to support your efforts in this,” she said.PowerCom’s chairperson, Eldorette Harmse, said the company is geared to play an integral role in helping industries achieve efficient green development through green ICT, which will act as the foundation for a digital future built on technologies like 5G and artificial intelligence (AI).“This will drive incredible innovations across industries, from smart cities to autonomous vehicles, enhance connectivity everywhere, and accelerate business and technology evolution,” she said.nikanor@erongo.com.na

PowerCom boosts connectivity in Zambezi

Comments

Namibian Sun 2024-11-22

Please login to leave a comment

PowerCom boosts connectivity in Zambezi

Comments

Namibian Sun 2024-11-22

Please login to leave a comment

Login