MTC and United Nations Namibia Sign Groundbreaking Five-Year Partnership to Accelerate Digital Inclusion and Deliver on Development Goals

Windhoek, Namibia – 23 May 2025 — Namibia’s leading telecommunications company, Mobile Telecommunications (MTC) Limited, and the United Nations (UN) in Namibia signed a landmark five-year partnership to fast-track inclusive digital transformation and advance the country’s national development agenda.

The signing ceremony, held in Windhoek, brought together high-level dignitaries including the Director General of the National Planning Commission (NPC), Dr. Kaire Mbuende the Minister of Information and Communication Technology (MICT), Honourable Emma Theophilus; and representatives from key ministries, UN agencies, and MTC leadership. The agreement is fully aligned with Namibia’s national priorities, as articulated in Vision 2030, the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for 2025 to 2029.

“This partnership is about transforming lives, not just through technology, but through inclusion, innovation and shared purpose,” said Hopolang Phororo, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Namibia. “Namibia helped shape the global Digital Compact through the Pact for the Future. Today, we are translating that global leadership into meaningful national action.”

The Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Honourable Emma Theofelus, emphasized the importance of a people-centered approach to digital transformation, stating, “Digital transformation must be human-centered and aimed at uplifting all communities. We must ensure that no one is left behind as we advance towards our development goals” 

Digital Innovation for National Impact

The partnership focuses on four key development areas:

• Human development and youth empowerment, including a national internship programme to link young graduates with real-world work experience;
• Access to public services, through digital identity and electronic Know Your Customer systems to help people, especially those in rural communities, access critical services;
• Economic resilience and financial inclusion, with mobile tools to expand digital literacy and financial empowerment for the unbanked;
• Sustainable and smart growth, using mobile connectivity and smart agriculture solutions to support health, education, and climate innovation.

Putting People at the Centre

During the launch, illustrative stories were shared to highlight the real-world challenges that the partnership seeks to address. These stories—while fictional—were developed during consultations with civil society organizations and the private sector and reflect the lived realities of many Namibians.

For example, Maggie, a young woman with disabilities, struggles to find employment. Lukas, a father in Windhoek, faces long waiting times and poor communication from health facilities. Maria, a rural schoolgirl, walks 10 kilometres to a school without digital resources, dreaming of becoming Namibia’s president. Anna, a small-scale farmer, cannot access farming information or markets due to poor connectivity.

“These stories are not isolated. They mirror the daily experiences of thousands of Namibians,” said Dr. Licky Erastus, Managing Director of Mobile Telecommunications Limited. “As a digital enabler, we must ensure that innovation works for everyone, not just for some.”

Dr. Kaire Mbuende, Director General of the National Planning Commission, welcomed the partnership, calling it “an essential lever in achieving inclusive national development and enabling more Namibians to access opportunity, services, and prosperity through innovation.”

A United Nations–Wide Commitment

Eleven United Nations entities are involved in this partnership, marking a comprehensive and coordinated approach to digital development. These efforts will complement existing United Nations-supported programmes in education, health, environment, and food systems, while unlocking new opportunities for entrepreneurship, service delivery, and youth participation.

“In an era of shrinking development aid, we must think differently,” said Phororo. “This is not about Corporate Social Responsibility. It’s about co-creating sustainable solutions that deliver real results — for the people, with the people.”

As Namibia continues to lead on the global stage through the Digital Compact and its role in the Pact for the Future, this partnership between the United Nations and Mobile Telecommunications Limited stands as a bold commitment of what it means to turn shared ambition into transformative national impact.