The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing socioeconomic development through stronger stakeholder engagement and decentralisation.
Speaking at the quarterly Chief Regional Officers' engagement in Katima Mulilo, Interim Executive Director of MICT, Linda Aipinge-Nakale, said the Ministry's priorities are aligned with the NDP6.
The plan has three pillars: expanding digital infrastructure and cybersecurity to achieve universal connectivity, supporting the creative industry, such as film, to boost jobs and GDP, and strengthening governance and public service delivery by improving access to information and transparency.
"The Ministry of ICT has been actively involved in the crafting of the 6th NDP, which serves as a national blueprint highlighting the government's key development priorities and strategies under the theme 'fostering economic growth, inclusiveness and resilience for sustainable development'," said Aipinge-Nakale.
Government information centres have been rolled out to all 14 regions of the country, with resources and manuals to guide operations, while construction of regional offices is also underway to bring services closer to citizens.
The government has further allocated funding for new Radio Access Network sites in underserved areas to improve mobile and broadcasting connectivity.
"Our gathering here today is not just a moment to tick off an activity from the Ministry's Annual Plan, but it forms part of our efforts to enhance stakeholder engagement as we step into our commitment to champion ICT for socio-economic development as per the Ministry's vision."
The Ministry also presented its draft Communication Strategy, Community Media Framework, and findings from a Social Media Audit and invited regional leaders to provide feedback to strengthen service delivery.
"We believe that for us to advance the marching orders by Her Excellency, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, there is a need for closer collaboration and coordinated efforts that will allow us to implement policies and programmes to create jobs for our young people and bring about tangible economic development as stated in her maiden State of the Nation Address."
Officials from the Office of the Prime Minister also joined the platform, emphasising the importance of public service reforms.