ICT summit on knowledge sharing and future

STAKEHOLDERS in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector have gathered to find ICT-based solutions to the problems created by the global economic crisis.

The Telecom Namibia ICT Summit 2009 is ‘Telecom’s most innovative platform for knowledge sharing and partnership building among Namibian industry players as well as with their foreign partners,’ according to Telecom Namibia MD, Frans Ndoroma. He also noted that the summit would provide opportunities for businesses to collaborate and benefit mutually.
Opening the summit was Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Joel Kaapanda. He mentioned the importance of the Communications Bill recently tabled in Parliament, explaining that the Bill prescribes the use of communications as ‘an engine of growth’ for the economy, and promotes increased competition in the telecommunications industry.
He also encouraged all players in the industry to work together to provide basic telecommunication services to all citizens.
‘Since everyone in the industry will benefit from expanded networks, everyone should contribute to achieve universal access to services,’ Kaapanda said.
The Board Chairman of Telecom Namibia, Joseph Iita, stressed the important role that ICT plays in improving the economy of any country.
‘We are making investments today in improving the customer experience, scaling and growing network capacity, and developing next-generation services that are laying the foundation for our vision of the service provider and society of the future,’ he said.
The theme of this year’s summit is ‘Visualising the future: Confronting the crisis’, and ensuring that the ICT sector is prepared to handle the anticipated economic upturn, is a priority, said Ndoroma.
The two-day summit, ending today, featured workshops and presentations from leaders in the global ICT industry and has drawn more than 800 industry players from around the globe.
ndapwa@namibian.com.na