The Namibian government has launched a new Women in Tech Initiative aimed at increasing the number of women with digital and ICT skills across the country.

The programme, launched on Thursday, seeks to bridge the gender gap in technology by providing training, mentorship, and opportunities for women and girls in information and communication technology. It is a collaboration between the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology and several private sector partners.

Officials say the initiative will focus on practical skills such as coding, data analysis, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and software development. It will also include support for women-led tech startups and encourage more female participation in the growing digital economy.

Many women in Namibia still face barriers to entering the tech space, including limited access to training, societal stereotypes, and lack of mentorship. The new programme aims to address these challenges by creating safe learning spaces and connecting participants with industry professionals.

Speaking at the launch, authorities emphasised that empowering women in technology is key to Namibia’s broader development goals. They noted that greater female participation in ICT will drive innovation, create jobs, and support economic growth.

The initiative will begin with pilot programmes in Windhoek and other regions, with plans to expand nationwide. It targets young women, university students, and working professionals who want to switch or grow their careers in tech.

This development adds to similar efforts across Africa to promote gender inclusion in the digital sector. Many stakeholders believe that closing the gender gap in technology will help Namibia better utilise its youthful population and compete in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The Women in Tech Initiative is expected to benefit hundreds of Namibian women in its first year, with long-term goals of building a more diverse and inclusive digital workforce.