Government institutions should address unemployment and poverty: Theofelus

Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, has said poverty, unemployment and the high cost of living are contemporary pressing challenges for Namibia and government institutions must devise strategies to address these challenges. Theofelus was speaking during a retreat for the senior leaders of her ministry, the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia, the Namibia Press Agency and New Era Publication Corporation at Von Bach Resort on Thursday. She urged the participants to explore and exploit opportunities within Namibia's bilateral relations, to bring in new technologies, foster international collaborations and ensure that the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector remains at the cutting edge. 'In today's global economy, countries increasingly partner to procure goods and services, leveraging their bilateral relations to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. These partnerships open up new avenues for innovation, growt h, and development,' she added. Theofelus further said it is crucial for the entities to share resources and avoid duplication of efforts so they can maximise their impact while conserving scarce resources. 'As we enter the second quarter of the financial year, our people need to see the combined tangible impact of our work. The late president Hage Geingob often said that nations go to war when dialogue fails. Let us heed his wisdom and make a concerted effort to maintain open, honest, and constructive communication,' said the minister. Theofelus also noted that ICT is the cornerstone of society and a tool that can be used to bridge gaps, create opportunities and inspire a new generation. She urged the participants to use the retreat for collaboration, innovation, and strategic planning. 'Together, we can steer the ICT sector towards a future of prosperity and inclusivity for all Namibians. Over the next few days our discussions should focus on how our industry can contribute to the alleviation of unempl oyment, poverty and the high cost of living. It is possible through the digital economy, and it is our responsibility to harness the power of ICT to create jobs and foster economic growth,' she said. Source: The Namibia News Agency