When it comes to Information Technology, Namibia has a very long way to go. There are no indigenous technology develop in the country, be it a software or hardware.  Thus, Namibia, like many other third world country is yet to develop a self sustain IT sector.  However, Namibia at the present time, do have its IT strengths and weaknesses.

   IT Strengths
   Most of the strengths that Namibia has at the moment is the fact that, it has South Africa as her neighbor.  South Africa is a much developed Information Technology country compared with Namibia.  As a result, South Africa provides Namibia with a easy source of meeting the country's IT needs.

   One of the IT strength of Namibia lies in the fact that, the country continues to encourage foreign investment in the telecommunications and technology sector.  There is a hope that as foreign investor invest in the country, IT services will improve with time.

   Another is that, Namibia continues to invest in its telecommunication infrastructure in the country, by investing in modern technology where it is necessary and upgrading existing infrastructure to meet modern standard. For instance, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting convened a conference on Building Namibia's National Information infrastructure in Windhoek, May 11th -14th 1998.  This was expected to assist with the government's recent decision to a national information network linking all the regions in Namibia which will provide public access to government information and support the development of Namibia's information society.  (7) 

   The Namibian National Assembly plans to debate a new Telecommunications Policy and Regulatory Framework.   The resulting document, it is believe would catalyze the liberalization of the country's telecommunication sector and encourage private sector participation and investment.  The policy has received preliminary endorsement from the Namibian cabinet and if approved Namibia's telecommunications market would be fully open for competition by 2004.  (13) 

   Namibia IT strength also lies in the location of the country.  Namibia is in a position to serve as a transit country, linking land-locked countries in Southern Africa to the outside world. 
This is not only advantageous for Namibia but also for Namibia's neighbors.  The following telecommunication links are under construction:
 

• The Trans Caprivi Communication connection would link Namibia with Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.  This project involves the upgrading of the existing terrestrial telephone line between Grootfontein and Katima Mulilo via Rundu through the Caprivi Region and the connections to Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe (optic fiber and micro wave connections).  The fiber connection between Grootfontein and Rundu was completed in December 1995.
• The Trans-Kalahari Communication connection linking Namibia with Botswana, but also providing better access between Namibia and Zimbabwe.  This optical fiber system would link Windhoek with Ghanzi in Botswana via Gobabis and would provide direct access into the "Pan African Telecommunication System" (PANAFTEL).
• The Namibia-Angola Communication connection would link the communication system in the  Owambo regions with Lubango in Angola via a optical fiber system. (2)

   What may be described as IT weaknesses in Namibia include the following:

   The number of individuals working jobs that require technology skills are very small relative to other jobs available.  This is evident in the type of jobs been created in Namibia.  Most of the job growth is taking place in areas like mining, fishing processing and tourism.  Jobs in these areas involve less use of IT skills, and where there jobs are, that where labor will go.

   Technology courses are not popular among Namibia students.  Most of the students are studying politics, economies and social sciences.  Thus the pool of students with necessary knowledge to help the growth of IT in Namibia is very small to make an impact.

   Namibia lack qualify personnel that is require to have a strong IT presence in the country.  "The most important constraint in the world-wide telecommunications field is the lack of suitable qualified personnel.  In Namibia, this situation is exacerbated y the fact that may of the people are pursuing an academic education but, do not take mathematics and science.  Without these vital subjects, a career in electronics can not be pursued successfully.  (2)

   Insufficient technical training.  In Namibia, there is a need to expand the technical training schools.  There should be more classrooms, practical training areas and qualified lecturers to train students.

  Given he strengths and weaknesses of IT in Namibia as discussed above, Namibia has the potential to become the second most IT develop country on the continent of Africa.  Second only to its neighbor and former colonial ruler, South Africa.   Also, Namibia is on the right track to achieve this status, this is evident in the way the government continue to lay a red carpet for investors from all over the world into the country. 

   This page was last updated: 12/16/99

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