Aus:The Namibia Press Agency (Nampa) and Huawei Technologies Namibia have launched the 'Khai re' digital scholarship programme in Aus, with the aim of training 1,000 Namibians annually in information and communication technology (ICT) over the next five years.
According to Namibia Press Agency , the programme is designed to equip approximately 5,000 beneficiaries with industry-relevant digital skills and internationally recognised certifications, focusing particularly on women, young people, and underserved communities.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus highlighted the potential for digital skills to create employment opportunities beyond Namibia's borders, including remote work for international companies. She emphasized the necessity of pairing access to digital devices and internet connectivity with the relevant skills to economically benefit from technology.
Theofelus also encouraged Namibians to leverage digital platforms for business growth, accessing employment opportunities, and improving livelihoods. She underscored the importance of reliable internet infrastructure, mentioning the West Africa Cable System (WACS) and the Equiano subsea cable as part of Namibia's connectivity framework.
Nampa Acting Chief Executive Officer Jata Kazondu noted that the partnership with Huawei positions Nampa to bridge the gap between academia and the ICT industry. He stated that Huawei's technology and learning platforms would enable learners to acquire practical skills and access professional development opportunities, with 50 learners already registered on the programme's platform.
Huawei Technologies Board Director Jason Xu outlined that the initiative aims to ensure Namibians from diverse backgrounds and regions can participate in the digital economy. The programme will offer training in areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, 5G technology, and networking. Xu stressed the importance of extending digital opportunities beyond major urban centres like Windhoek.
The scholarship programme will target participants from selected regions annually from 2026 to 2031, beginning with the //Kharas, Kavango East, Kavango West, and Ohangwena regions in 2026. The initiative also seeks to enhance women's participation in technology and foster mentorship, entrepreneurship, and practical opportunities for graduates to apply their skills. Xu noted that the programme's success should be measured by the lives transformed, careers developed, and opportunities created rather than solely by the number of people trained.