Over N$500,000 was pledged during the launch and sponsorship handover ceremony towards the hosting of the 7th National ICT Summit, scheduled to take place from the 9th to the 11th of October.

Sponsors are mainly those in the ICT sector, with MTC and Telecom Namibia having pledged over N$100,000 each. Some media houses pledged airtime for use during the summit. The summit, which will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, experts, and innovators, will serve as a platform to explore cybersecurity challenges and opportunities through dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration.

"I call upon all stakeholders to actively participate in the summit, contribute their expertise, and engage in meaningful discussions. Let us leverage this opportunity to forge new alliances, deepen existing partnerships, and collectively shape the future of the ICT sector in Namibia," urged Dr. Peya Mushelenga, Minister of Information and Communication Technology.

Despite the digital economy holding tremendous promise for economic growth, innovation, and social development, Mushelenga says, it exposes new risks and vulnerabilities that must be effectively managed. Hence, the theme "Rethinking Cybersecurity Investment to Secure the Digital Economy and its Opportunities" is befitting.

"Namibia has joined the global community in embracing the digital age. The transformation into cyberspace has not only improved the working culture of public and private institutions, but it has also brought challenges that necessitate us to prioritise the security and integrity of our digital infrastructure. Cyber threats are evolving alarmingly as cybercrimes continue to be committed against persons, property, and government."

Over 400 participants and 30 exhibitors, both local and international, are expected to attend the summit.