Young innovators challenged to turn ideas into jobs

Victoria Immanuel

ONGWEDIVA – Five groups have been shortlisted from 25 applications for this year’s Youth Hackathon, while 10 exhibitors were selected from 28 applications to showcase their projects at the 9th National ICT Summit in Ongwediva.

Speaking during Youth Day at the summit at the Ongwediva Trade Fair Centre yesterday, Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus said the initiative aims to promote innovation, create employment opportunities and develop practical solutions to Namibia’s challenges.

The Youth Day and Hackathon form part of the week-long ICT Summit at the Ongwediva Trade Fair Centre, which concludes tomorrow.

The summit brings together young people, government, businesses and other stakeholders to exchange ideas, explore partnerships and identify opportunities in the ICT sector.

The Youth Exhibition and Hackathon aim to encourage practical innovation and demonstrate how young people can contribute to Namibia’s digital transformation.

“This strong response shows the growing talent and interest in ICT among Namibia’s youth,” Theofelus said.

The call for applications for the Youth Exhibition and Hackathon was open from 4 to 21 September 2026, attracting young innovators interested in developing and showcasing digital solutions.

This year’s hackathon challenges young innovators to develop a media monitoring and analysis tool to track, analyse and understand public conversations online.

“The government is looking for solutions tailored to Namibia’s needs, with the potential to create jobs, improve service delivery and reduce poverty,” Theofelus said.

She emphasised that young people are central to Namibia’s digital future and that their creativity must be harnessed to drive the country’s digital transformation.

Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology Wenzel Kavaka also urged young Namibians to move beyond consuming technology and become creators of digital solutions.

“Namibia’s digital economy depends on how effectively young people are equipped and empowered to innovate,” Kavaka said.

He encouraged young people to remain curious, learn from one another and develop digital technologies that create employment opportunities while addressing Namibia’s growing ICT needs. Kavaka also called for digital connectivity to reach communities across the country rather than remain concentrated in major towns and cities.

“Young people must come up with new ideas, become innovators and entrepreneurs, rather than simply relying on other people’s ideas,” he said.

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