Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Mose Tjitendero, sealed the deal on behalf of the Namibian Government, on the sidelines of Microsoft's Global Leaders' Forum underway in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Thirty African countries are attending the Forum.

The partnership agreement is in support of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) Namibia signed with Microsoft, the world leader in computer software development, in Windhoek two months ago.

It is intended to help schools and community centres gain access to technologies, provide them with the skills to build the information society, and to bridge the digital divide in Namibia.

In the long term, the pilot technology trials in Namibia are expected to lead to an ICT schools' strategy for Africa, which Microsoft has said it will support to the tune of US$250 million (about N$1,8 billion).

Other partners in the alliance are the Prince of Wales' International Business Leaders Forum, DHL, MindSet and WorldSpace.

The Eden Primary School at Okahandja became the first of 13 schools to receive computers through the pilot programme two months ago.

Ultimately it is planned to see an eventual 4 000 refurbished computers distributed to about 400 schools countrywide by the end of 2004.

Through the initiative it is also expected that a computer refurbishment centre and community technology learning centres will be set up in the country.

Signing on behalf of Microsoft, President for Europe, the Middle East and Africa and also the Corporation's Senior Vice President, Jean-Philippe Courtois, said: "As a company, we are convinced of the power of information technology as the greatest enabler in developing social and economic well-being and look forward to working with the Namibian Government on this initiative".

Courtois said it was too early to put a price tag on the support Microsoft intends to provide Namibia, as this would be determined as they investigate and put on trial new technologies.

Microsoft has said Namibia was selected as the first to enter the agreement because of the prominent role parliament was playing in promoting information communication technology in the country.

The small numbers involved in testing the system are also said to make for easier management of the pilot programme.

Dr Tjitendero stressed at the signing that the partnership was about how Namibians would benefit in the transfer of knowledge, skills and employment creation - ultimately for the socio-economic development for the country as a whole.

"On behalf of the Namibian people, I would like to commend Microsoft for taking a lead in supporting our efforts to empower communities with technology," he said.

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