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Local banks urged to support Namibia’s energy and infrastructure sectors

NDN Staffer

WINDHOEK, April 28 — A finance-focused panel at the 2023 Namibia International Energy Conference recently discussed new ways to finance and develop capital-intensive energy and infrastructure projects in Africa. The panel was held under the theme “Financing Energy & Power Projects: Trends, Outlook & Forecast,” and focused on how Namibia can finance large-scale energy projects while structuring deals that benefit the local economy.

As more global financial institutions move away from fossil fuel lending, emerging producers like Namibia are seeking to drive local and regional financial participation in capital-intensive projects and trade infrastructure. According to Paul Eardley-Taylor, Southern African Regional Head of Oil & Gas for Standard Bank, finding a new pool of liquidity is critical, and local banks will need to ramp up support at every level of the hydrocarbon value chain.

In addition to leveraging foreign investment, panellists discussed how the sector can use foreign support as a means of creating local capacity through regional debt and credit-support instruments. Claire Hobbs, Chief Treasurer for the Bank of Windhoek, urged local firms to take a more active role in financing Namibia’s energy and infrastructure sectors. She also emphasized the importance of securing regional partners and backing local content efforts.

To increase the availability of domestic capital, traditionally conservative pension funds are now getting involved in the sector. David Nuyoma, CEO of the Government Institution Pension Fund, has invested in a range of new energy projects, with a focus on renewable energy.

While local and regional financing efforts are actualizing new developments, Bruce Hansen, Managing Director at Simonis Storm Securities Namibia, emphasized that such efforts are critical to the long-term success of the Namibian and African energy industry. According to Hansen, the world will need 10,000 MW of generation capacity by 2030, and innovative capital deployment structures will be necessary to meet this demand.  – Namibia Daily News

April 28, 2023 0 comment
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Namibia Emerges as an Attractive Energy Investment Destination

NDN Staffer

WINDHOEK, April 27 — On April 27, 2023, the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) continued with a high-level panel discussion that explored Namibia’s current energy investment landscape and its pathway to achieving long-term and diversified growth. The event was held in Windhoek, Namibia and moderated by Oliver Dickson, a Business Reporter for South Africa’s national public radio station, SAfm.

During the panel discussion, a slate of high-level energy players shared their insights into how Namibia can foster long-term and diversified growth as an emerging oil producer. The panellists included Shiwana Ndeunyema, Acting Managing Director of the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR); Baronice Hans, Managing Director of Bank Windhoek; Kauna Ndilula, Advisory Board Member of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board; Dr. Klaus Endresen, Chairman of the Namibia Petroleum Operators Association; and Osvaldo Inácio, Executive Director of Sonangol and Chairman of SONILS.

Namibia has become one of the most attractive investment destinations in the region due to favourable regulatory reforms, which have cemented ties with leading international oil companies such as TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil, ReconAfrica, and QatarEnergy. Despite this, the development and production industry is still new to the country. Ndeunyema highlighted the importance of understanding where Namibia can add value and create value for service companies and local businesses to participate in exploration and production.

The panellists discussed the importance of financial institutions and how the development of effective management services and processes can optimize the flow of capital into Namibia’s energy landscape. Furthermore, they noted that trusted financial partners rooted within the country will serve as a requisite for future growth and development.

The speakers also touched on the importance of creating and maintaining an attractive investment landscape within Namibia’s extractive sector to position the country as a future energy hub within the continent. They highlighted that significant and diversified investment across the entire energy value chain, backed by international participation, is necessary to consolidate the industry and foster confidence from investors, service companies, and local businesses.

Despite the many risks associated with exploration, panellists expressed confidence in the future of development in Namibia’s energy space. They noted that the exploitation of hydrocarbons will enable Namibia and the wider southern African region to fast-track its energy transition. Maintaining a stable environment that prioritizes diversification and inclusivity was highlighted as a key factor for Namibia to participate in the future of energy development. Additionally, confidence in Namibia’s investment landscape will be based on the country’s collaborative efforts with international players and neighbouring countries.  – Namibia Daily News

April 28, 2023 0 comment
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Namibian Minister to decide fate of controversial environmental permit

By Staff reporter

WINDHOEK, April 28 — On April 26, the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism heard arguments for and against the decision by the Environmental Commissioner (EC) to amend an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) 0091 held by Reconnaissance Energy Namibia (Pty) Ltd (REN). The Ncumcara Community Forest Management Committee, Muduva Nyangana Communal Conservancy Management Committee, Katope Community Forest Management Committee, and the Kavango East and West Regional Conservancy and Community Forest Association (the Appellants) lodged an appeal on June 22, 2022, in terms of section 50 of the Environmental Management Act, Act 7 of 2007 (EMA).

After numerous correspondences and two separate postponements, the Minister finally heard the matter on April 24, 2023. The hearing was held in the ministerial boardroom on the 2nd floor of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism before the Honourable Minister, Mr. Pohamba Shifeta, and allowed one witness for the Appellants and one witness for the respondent to present oral evidence in support of their claims. After approximately 9 hours of hearing testimony and legal submissions, the Minister stated that parties should expect his finding in May 2023.

The primary objection against the EC’s decision to grant an amendment focused on the law that requires the listed activities proposed by REN to be authorized and approved by the Environmental Commissioner. The Appellants argued that this may only be done by way of further impact assessments for an additional Environmental Clearance Certificate, and not merely by making amendments to an existing one where cumulative impact is not considered. Furthermore, the Appellants contended that the Environmental Commissioner acted ultra vires (beyond his powers) and failed to comply with the provisions of Section 39 of the EMA, in approving the amendments to REN’s ECC 0091. Moreover, the EC should have gone through the entire process he went through for the initial application when considering an amendment, including community/public engagement and input. That means the amendment application cannot be used to circumvent the requirements of the EMA. While a notice was sent out to the public and stakeholders, only previously registered members were allowed to make comments. There was limited public participation, surely discriminatory action and limitation of the democratic right to participate.

In addition, the Appellants made submissions about the inadequacies of the environmental impact assessment, particularly on how it addressed and mitigated potential environmental impacts and their exclusion from participation in the decision-making processes. However, since exploration activities that could cause these impacts have already been carried out by REN, the issues related to environmental management are now considered a theoretical exercise because the damage is already done.

In opposition, REN argued that the Environmental Commissioner, when amending the ECC, acted under section 39 of the EMA and in line with his general powers conferred to him. The Respondents are of the view that the EC’s decision may be wrong in law, but on the facts before the Minister, there is no basis for dismissal of the decision.

Background: When the EC requires an application to be made for an amendment of an ECC under section 39 of the EMA, in considering such an application for amendment, the EC should take into consideration the same aspects that it took into consideration of the initial application. While a notice of such a request to amend was published, it only allowed previously registered interested parties to make comments despite the amendment seeking authority to conduct activities beyond that identified under the existing ECC under 0091 and despite it affecting more community members.

Despite submissions made, particularly around the lack of public consultation and the inadequacies of the environmental impact assessment undertaken in the first application, the EC failed to consider such and granted the amendment of the permit. This decision was met with strong criticism from various stakeholders, including environmental groups, community organizations, and concerned citizens. Many felt that the EC had prioritized the interests of the company over the well-being of the local community and the environment. As a result, protests and demonstrations were organized, and legal action was taken to challenge the decision. The issue became a topic of national debate, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability in the regulatory process. Despite these efforts, however, the amended permit remained in place, and the company was able to continue its operations with minimal interference. – Namibia Daily News

April 28, 2023 0 comment
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University of Namibia Opens State-of-the-Art Lecture Hall Complex in Keetmanshoop

Staff Writer

KEETMANSHOOP, April 27 — The University of Namibia has taken a significant step towards expanding access to higher education in the country by opening a new lecture hall complex at its Southern Campus in Keetmanshoop. The inauguration ceremony was presided over by the Vice President of Namibia, Dr Nangolo Mbumba, who expressed his gratitude to the Keetmanshoop Municipality for donating 24 hectares of land to UNAM in 2013 for the establishment of the university’s Southern Campus.

During his speech, the Vice President emphasised the importance of higher education in building a strong and prosperous nation. He stated that building a robust higher education system in line with Vision 2030 and National Development Plans and Harambee Prosperity Plan is necessary for attaining a highly skilled workforce. The Vice President also called upon Namibian youth, particularly those in the //Kharas Region, to seize the opportunity availed by the government and enrol for the variety of academic and professional qualifications offered at the UNAM Southern Campus.

The inauguration of the new lecture hall complex is a significant milestone for the University of Namibia and a testament to the government’s commitment to expanding access to higher education for all Namibians. According to the Vice Chancellor of UNAM, Prof Dr Kenneth K Matengu, the new complex will not only provide educational opportunities but also create jobs, provide opportunities, and contribute to the social and economic development of //Kharas, Hardap, Omaheke Regions, and the rest of the country, ensuring a bright future for generations to come.

The lecture hall complex features state-of-the-art facilities, laboratory equipment, and the latest technology, providing the best possible learning experience to its students. The complex includes a laboratory dedicated to new materials research and high-level analytical equipment for all fields of geology and geohydrology. The building cost NAD 93 million.

The Governor of the //Kharas Region, Hon. Aletha Frederick, stated that the government’s investment in the development of higher education institutions in the region has returned excellent dividends for the region and the Namibian nation at large. With the UNAM Southern Campus, NIMT Southern Campus, NUST, and the Keetmanshoop VTC currently under construction, the region can fully reap the demographic dividend by improving the skill set, employability, and entrepreneurship of aspiring youth in the region. She emphasized the need to redouble efforts to ensure that learners are prepared in terms of academic performance to enter tertiary education institutions in the region.

In conclusion, the opening of the new lecture hall complex is a significant achievement for the University of Namibia and the Namibian government’s commitment to providing access to quality higher education for all its citizens. It is hoped that the new complex will not only provide educational opportunities but also contribute to the socioeconomic development of the region and the country as a whole, ensuring a bright future for generations to come. – Namibia Daily News

April 27, 2023 0 comment
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Old Mutual Namibia Launches Groundbreaking Digital Channels

By Staff Reporter

WINDHOEK, April 27 — Old Mutual Namibia has always been at the forefront of innovation, and it continues to provide cutting-edge solutions that enhance its customer experience. Recently, Old Mutual Namibia unveiled two new digital channels, namely the Old Mutual Mobile App and the Old Mutual WhatsApp platform, that promise to be game changers in the insurance industry.

The event was attended by many distinguished guests, and Tassius, the CEO of Old Mutual Namibia, opened the proceedings with a motivational quote by Tony Robbins, “The only limit to your impact is your imagination and commitment.” Tassius highlighted that the two digital channels are part of Old Mutual’s commitment to innovation, transformation, sustainability, and inclusion. The CEO also stressed that innovation is an essential part of the growth strategy of Old Mutual and that the company is dedicated to embracing new ideas, technologies, and processes that promote growth, enhance efficiency, and meet changing customer expectations.

The Old Mutual Mobile App is a financial tool that provides customers with convenience, security, savings, and accessibility. One of the most significant advantages of the app is convenience. Customers can access their portfolios, view and update personal contact details and account information, and apply for new products while on the go. This means that customers can manage their finances with ease and convenience, without having to visit Old Mutual branches.

The app is also designed with strong security mechanisms that guarantee the privacy of users’ financial and personal information. It employs encryption and multi-factor authentication and incorporates biometric security to prevent unwanted access to or theft of consumer data. Therefore, customers can rest assured that their financial information is safe and secure.

Moreover, the Old Mutual Mobile App offers a selection of investing and savings alternatives, allowing users to see the performance, access their investment accounts, and make decisions based on their financial objectives. This means that customers can grow their wealth while having full control of their investments.

Lastly, the Old Mutual Mobile App is accessible to a wide range of customers, available for download on Android, iOS, and Huawei devices, and it is designed to be user-friendly, with an intuitive interface that is easy to navigate.

Old Mutual Namibia also introduced a new feature to their services that allows customers to submit and track their funeral claims through WhatsApp. The WhatsApp funeral claims functionality is designed to be user-friendly and easy to use. Customers can simply send a message to Old Mutual’s WhatsApp number and follow the prompts to submit their claims.

With WhatsApp being one of the most popular messaging platforms globally, this feature provides a convenient and accessible way for customers to manage their funeral claims without having to call or visit Old Mutual branches. This demonstrates Old Mutual’s commitment to providing solutions that exceed their customers’ expectations.

In conclusion, Old Mutual Namibia’s latest innovations are a testament to its dedication to innovation, sustainability, and inclusion. The Old Mutual Mobile App and the Old Mutual WhatsApp platform provide customers with convenient, secure, and accessible solutions that enhance their experience. By embracing new technologies and processes, Old Mutual Namibia is redefining the insurance industry, and it is exciting to see what new innovations they will unveil in the future.

Namibia Daily News

April 27, 2023 0 comment
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Over 100 Cyclists to Compete in Nedbank XC1 and Junior XCO UCI Race in Windhoek

By Staff Reporter

WINDHOEK, April 27 — On 29 April 2023, the IJG Trails in the Kleine Kuppe suburb of Windhoek will host the second round of the Nedbank XC Series, the Nedbank XC1 and Junior XCO UCI race. The race, which has Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) points, will feature over 100 cyclists, including 22 from South Africa and one from Australia. The event will showcase international cycling representation with cyclists competing in various UCI categories of Elite Men and Women, Under 23 Men and Women, and Junior Men and Women.

Newly crowned South African Elite XCO National Women Champion, Candice Lill, and the Elite XCO Men’s National Champion, Philip Buys, will be among the participants. Our country’s very own XCO Elite National Champions Alex Miller, Monique Du Plessis, and Junior XCO National Champions Kevin Lowe, who is currently Junior UCI ranked 8th in the world, and Eden Spangenberg will also take part.

Cyclists will compete in different race categories, including Under 14/18 Boys and Girls, Short Course Men and Women Open, Under 12 Sprog Boys, Under 14 Sub-Junior Girls, Under 10 Nipper Boys and Girls, Under 12 Sprog Girls, Under 16 Youth Boys and Girls, Under 14 Sub-Junior Boys, Sub Vet Men and Women, Veteran Men and Women, Master and Grandmaster Men and Women, Rhino Women, Elite Men and Women, Under 23 Men and Women, and Junior Men and Women.

Selma Kaulinge, the Nedbank Namibia Communication and PR Manager emphasized the significance of cycling and the bank’s contributions to the sport. The race is part of the Nedbank XC Race Series, which is a collaboration with the Rock and Rut Mountain Bike Club and the Namibia Cycling Federation.

Entries into the races are open, and interested cyclists can contact the Namibian Cycling Federation at info@namcf.org for more information. The event promises to be thrilling, with athletes displaying a remarkable level of skill, endurance, and determination. – Namibia Daily News

April 27, 2023 0 comment
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Energy leaders gather at NIEC 2023 to discuss future value creation in Namibia

NDN Staffer

WINDHOEK, April 27 – The Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) 2023 commenced with a ministerial panel that explored energy development and value creation. On Day 1 of the event, key players and industry leaders from the private sector, as well as Namibia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy, delivered keynote addresses and an insightful welcoming message.

Moderated by NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (AEC), the ministerial panel included high-level speakers, such as H.E. Chiekh Niane, Vice Minister of Petroleum and Energies, Senegal; H.E. Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima, Minister of Planning and Economic Diversification, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea; H.E. Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary-General, African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO); Hon. Andrew Mercer, Deputy Minister of Energy and Petroleum, the Republic of Ghana; Paulino Jerónimo, CEO, National Oil and Gas Agency (ANPG), Republic of Angola; and Maggy Shino, Petroleum Commissioner, Ministry of Mines and Energy, Namibia.

The discussion focused on the theme, “Shaping the Future of Energy Towards Value Creation.” Shino expressed the government’s commitment to developing Namibia’s energy sector and affirmed support for key decision-makers, industry leaders, and experts to engage in meaningful dialogue around industry developments. She also noted the vast potential of Namibia’s entire coastline in terms of energy resources.

H.E. Niane made a strong case for Namibia to explore its oil and gas potential, highlighting the role that hydrocarbons play in promoting investment and energy development. He also discussed regional collaboration and its role in energy development in Senegal and the West African region.

H.E. Gabriel Mbanga Obiang Lima spoke on the need for diversification and establishing priorities to advance the continent’s energy capabilities while ensuring the full potential of its oil and gas resources. H.E. Dr. Ibrahim addressed Namibia’s increasing investment gap and how international partners can boost the development and exploitation of oil and gas resources to address the continent’s growing energy poverty.

The panel also discussed the importance of local content policies and the need to position the oil and gas industry to play a more significant role in power generation and petrochemical industrialization.

Namibia has sought to develop favourable legal frameworks governing the exploitation, development, and production of oil and gas. The country has been actively working to enhance competitiveness in the sector while aiming to modernize and improve the overall governance of the industry.

Paulino Jerónimo emphasized the importance of sharing experience and industry information to overcome potential challenges that might arise in the future.

As one of APPO’s newest member countries, Namibia is well-positioned to become a major African oil and gas producer. With the country set to start its first oil and gas production in the next five to seven years, the conference provided a platform for industry leaders to discuss and shape the future of energy in Namibia and the African continent.

Namibia Daily News

April 27, 2023 0 comment
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M-Files Corp Awards Premier Partner and Reseller Status to The Document Warehouse in Namibia

By Staff Reporter

Windhoek, April 27 — The Document Warehouse, an Information and Records management company, has achieved Premier Partner and Reseller status with M-Files Corp., a global leader in information management. This prestigious distinction is awarded to a select group of companies that have demonstrated exceptional commitment and expertise in promoting and selling M-Files’ products and recognizes The Document Warehouse’s efforts in Namibia and Africa.

As a Premier Partner and Reseller, The Document Warehouse will have access to M-Files’ advanced tools, training, and resources, including M-Files’ content collaboration solution powered by Hubshare. This will enable the company to provide unparalleled support and expertise to clients, including access to exclusive sales and marketing tools and priority technical support from national and international experts.

“We are thrilled to have been recognized as a Premier Partner and Reseller of M-Files,” said The Document Warehouse’s CEO, Ino Kamona. “Reaching this status is a testament to our commitment to providing our clients with the best possible information and records management solutions. We look forward to leveraging our enhanced partnership with M-Files to deliver even more value to our clients.”

M-Files’ metadata-driven document management platform gives businesses a competitive advantage by ensuring knowledge flows quickly, effortlessly, and securely. M-Files increases productivity and improves the quality of deliverables by making information easy to find and use. With version history tracking, duplicate detection, reporting, and access control permissions, M-Files allows companies to focus on their core business activities as M-Files automates all processes of document management.

M-Files has been widely recognized for its quality and reliability across key vertical industries, including banking, finance, regulatory, telecommunications, public, and medical industries. It’s advanced technology and intuitive interface make it the ideal solution for most industries in Namibia and Africa.

The Document Warehouse’s team of experts has extensive experience in all industries listed and is committed to providing exceptional client service and support. With M-Files Hubshare, teams and clients are connected through a secure, customizable dashboard that helps build and nurture internal and external relationships via a branded digital workspace, as well as sharing and managing enormous amounts of data. M-Files helps clients optimize collaboration and reap operational savings benefits with the power of the M-Files metadata-driven content collaboration solution powered by Hubshare.

For more information on M-Files or to speak with a representative from The Document Warehouse about how it can help you achieve your digital transformation goals, please visit www.documentwarehouse.com.na. – Namibia Daily News

April 27, 2023 0 comment
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PAPSS and ASEA join forces to revolutionize cross-border payments for African capital markets

By Staff Reporter

CAIRO, April 27 — The Pan African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) and the African Securities Exchange Association (ASEA) have announced a strategic partnership to promote cross-border payments for capital markets infrastructure in Africa. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on April 14, 2023, during the ASEA 2023 Building African Financial Markets Seminar held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

For many years, investors doing business in Africa have faced challenges in making and settling cross-border payments. Payments take a long time to complete, are expensive due to the need for correspondent banks outside of the continent, and are conducted in foreign currencies. PAPSS, developed by Afreximbank and AfCFTA Secretariat, enables instant cross-border payments in local currency.

Through ASEA, which has nine exchanges and a combined market capitalization of $1.5 trillion, PAPSS provides an opportunity to enhance the African Exchanges Linkage Project (AELP), a flagship project of ASEA to facilitate cross-border trading of securities in Africa. PAPSS has already gone live in the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Gambia, and Guinea. Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Djibouti have recently joined the network and will soon be operational. This partnership with ASEA will facilitate the deployment of PAPSS across the ASEA member nations.

Mr. Mike Ogbalu III, the CEO of PAPSS, said, “Working with ASEA, which pioneered the AELP with cross-border securities trading as a central tenet, is a significant step towards the rollout of PAPSS throughout the continent.” The partnership aims to create a reliable and efficient payment system that will enable investors to easily trade across different stock exchanges on the continent.

Mr. Thapelo Tsheole, the President of ASEA and CEO of Botswana Stock Exchange, said, “Our capital markets integration initiative through the AELP will play a critical role in deepening Africa’s capital markets and promoting cross-border investment. PAPSS’s expertise in payment settlement will be instrumental in the cross-border transfer of funds among the participating exchanges.”

This partnership between PAPSS and ASEA represents a groundbreaking venture for the African business and investment communities. PAPSS is committed to fostering the growth of a thriving payment ecosystem and encouraging the development of new solutions for the economic advancement of the African continent and its people. – Namibia Daily News

April 27, 2023 0 comment
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Telecom Namibia CEO Highlights Importance of ICT Services at SATA Conference

By Prince Mupiri

WINDHOEK, April 27 — The Southern Africa Telecommunications Association (SATA) Hosts Regional Conference to Advance ICT Services and Infrastructure

On April 26, delegates from member nations of the Southern Africa Telecommunications Association (SATA) gathered in Swakopmund for a three-day conference focused on the theme “ICT Connectivity and Service Delivery for the Benefit of All: Transforming our Society through Broadband and ICT Developments.” The conference aims to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration on topics such as modern technology and infrastructure policy, as well as approaches to developing the telecommunications sector.

Namibian government officials joined ICT industry participants from across the Southern African region to oversee a Conference focused on advancing services to provide world-class services to the region’s people.

In his opening remarks, Governor Neville Andre emphasized the potential for telecommunications companies and other ICT stakeholders to consolidate and expand links and synergies through interaction and information exchange, driving SADC’s ICT sector development. He noted that the ICT sector has a huge and positive impact on economic growth, accelerating the flow of goods and services across SADC national borders.

Telecom Namibia CEO Dr. Stanley Shanapinda stressed that the availability of ICT services is critical for investors, as the lack of such services can impede communication with officials, trading partners, and customers, which can isolate a nation from the global economy.

The SATA Conference, the largest gathering on ICT in the region, provides an important platform for promoting the growth of ICTs and telecommunications. The event generates influential and senior experts in the information and communication technology (ICT) industry from within and outside the SADC region and serves as a platform to prepare and approve the Southern African Telecommunications Association’s (SATA) projects, programs, and budget for the new fiscal year.

With participants from Namibia, Angola, Zambia, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Swaziland, Mozambique, South Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Zambia, the discussions held during the conference will help advance the development of the Southern African ICT industry to compete with the rest of the world and meet the expectations of governments, corporations, and residential customers. – Namibia Daily News

April 27, 2023 0 comment
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