The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) hosted its Digital Transformation and Entrepreneurship Breakfast at Oshakati, focusing on how people, enterprises and communities can use digital tools to improve services and unlock new opportunities.  

CRAN Chief Executive Officer Emilia Nghikembua said Oshakati represents a strong economic centre in northern Namibia, reminding Namibians that the digital economy should not remain an abstract concept discussed only in boardrooms.

She said it should rather become a tool for transformation among entrepreneurs, small businesses and communities nationwide.

"We are here to connect policy with marketplace realities by equipping our entrepreneurs with practical tools and through leadership insights to navigate the digital economy and to encourage partnerships that continue long after today. Digital transformation must be practical enough to support the farmer, the young innovator, and the business seeking to scale."

Nghikembua emphasised the importance of ensuring that digital transformation reaches ordinary Namibians and creates practical opportunities for economic participation, entrepreneurship and innovation. 

The Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Dino Ballotti, commended CRAN for connecting students and entrepreneurs.

"We need to speak about entrepreneurship because that is where we create jobs, so colleagues, you made time to be here. I thank you very much, so CRAN, well done. I want to appreciate this platform and take advantage of the platform."

In a speech delivered on his behalf, Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge says capitalising on the digital economy requires deliberate action. 

This includes the expansion of digital infrastructure, strengthening digital literacy, supporting innovation hubs, enabling access to finance for start-ups and creating regulatory environments that encourage investment and innovation.