Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) are recognised worldwide as major contributors to social and economic development. ICTs can also play a role in the creation of high quality jobs, as they are a key source of innovation. Namibia’s Vision 2030 hails ICTs as a major contributor to the realization of a knowledge based society, and cites the lack of trained and skilled ICT human resources as impediment to development.
The Government of the Republic of Namibia has prioritized ICT skills development in the country, and calls for ICTs to be applied across all sectors of the economy and society to facilitate the realization of our development goals. Across the world, the role that Information Communication Technologies can play in achieving the Millennium Development Goals is well defined. The Sustainable Development Goals also calls for enhanced scientific research as well as improved technological capabilities to enable domestic technology development, research and innovation in all countries. UNAM as the highest educational institution in the country will therefore play a major role in developing the skills required in harnessing the available ICTs to realize the expected benefits. UNAM will continue to identify distinctive opportunities and capabilities to maximise the country and continent’s digital agenda. The School of Computing will develop the skills, expertise and products required to address the current technological skills gap that our country and continent is experiencing.