Building a digital infrastructure for sustainable growth.

As Namibia gears up for the rollout of its Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), digital transformation stands out as one of the country’s most ambitious goals.

Although much of the public focus has been on food security, agriculture, and manufacturing, NDP6 quietly lays out a detailed strategy aimed at turning Namibia into a digital economy by 2030.

This transformation will touch all sectors—from classrooms and government departments to rural communities. The plan, which spans from 2025/26 to 2029/30, recognises digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and inclusive education as vital foundations for sustainable national development.

According to the Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (IMEP), internet penetration is set to rise dramatically—from 53% today to 90% by 2030. The goal is to create a digitally connected society where improved access to technology, currently at 28%, will jump to 70%.

“By 2030, Namibia will be a player in the global digital economy,” the NDP6 IMEP states.

One of the centrepieces of this shift is the establishment of a National Data Centre, which will securely manage and store government information. The plan describes it as a core piece of national infrastructure, “supporting government operations, public services and private sector innovation.” It’s also a step toward securing data sovereignty, as it ensures sensitive national data remains within Namibian borders.

Cybersecurity is another critical area of focus. Namibia currently scores just 37 in cybersecurity readiness, but NDP6 is aiming to raise that to 65 by 2030. “To achieve this, Namibia will enact national cybersecurity legislation and strengthen the capacity of the Namibia Cybersecurity Incident Response Team (Nam-CSIRT),” the document states. Nam-CSIRT will be responsible for detecting and managing cyber threats across both public and private sectors.

Another major step is introducing artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity education in schools and universities. “The programme aims to support the development of AI and cybersecurity curriculum for basic and higher education institutions,” the plan outlines. This includes digital literacy training to help students understand emerging technologies and navigate digital risks.

The government also plans to close the digital gap between urban and rural communities. Underserved areas will receive upgraded broadband infrastructure, ICT-ready schools, and community internet hubs. “Namibia’s digital transformation cannot succeed if it excludes rural communities,” the strategy notes. “Affordable access, local content and digital inclusion will be the foundation of an equitable digital economy.”

Currently, just 13 public institutions offer digital services. NDP6 aims for 100% digitalisation of government services by 2029/30, enabling citizens to access essential public functions online. The implementation of the Access to Information Act will further support this goal, promoting transparent, efficient and responsive governance.

AI to help smallholder farmers increase productivity and build resilience.

Young African agripreneurs are leading the way in using artificial intelligence (AI) to tackle food security issues and modernise agrifood systems across the continent.

In a recent X Spaces live event hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Regional Office for Africa, three tech-savvy innovators from Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Kenya shared how they are applying AI to help smallholder farmers increase productivity and build resilience.

The one-hour digital conversation drew nearly 200 participants and shed light on the power of youth-driven innovation in agriculture. The event formed part of FAO’s “Youth on the Frontier of Agrifood Systems” series, which aims to amplify the voices and efforts of young leaders in shaping Africa’s food future.

Among the featured entrepreneurs was Tafadzwa Chikwereti from Zimbabwe, the founder of eAgro. His company developed CropFix, a mobile AI platform that diagnoses pests, diseases, and nutrient issues using photos taken by farmers. Speaking during the session, he stressed the importance of accessibility: “The biggest challenge is rural connectivity and digital literacy. Bundling AI tools with accessible platforms is crucial for improving harvests.” He added, “We deliver these insights using platforms including SMS text messages, which are crucial for smallholder farmers without internet or smartphones.”

From Nigeria, Femi Adekoya—known as the “Flying Farmer”—spoke about how he’s combining drones and AI at Integrated Aerial Precision to advance precision agriculture. He explained: “It means applying the right thing at the right time in the right place with the right intensity. That is sustainable agriculture.” Adekoya also trains young people through the Precision Field Academy and collaborates with universities across Nigeria. “We believe African youth can be equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead this work,” he said.

Kenyan agripreneur Lavender Birike, founder of Klima360, highlighted how her platform blends climate, soil, and market data using AI to forecast risks and help both farmers and insurers make better decisions. She called for improved access to open data: “We have a lot of research data sitting in different places. If we could pass policies that enable access and provide safety frameworks, it would open opportunities for young people to develop localised solutions.” She also spoke on gender inclusion in tech: “This is an opportunity for women to be involved from the beginning.”

FAO Digital Agriculture specialist Ken Lohento closed the event by stressing that collaboration between governments, academia, private sectors, and local communities is essential to scale these innovations. He pointed to FAO initiatives like the Fostering Digital Villages (FDiVi) project as examples of how rural areas can benefit from digital and AI technologies.

Cotton farmers are seeing their livelihoods transformed through the adoption of climate-smart farming techniques.

In rural Zambia, cotton farmers are seeing their livelihoods transformed through the adoption of climate-smart farming techniques.

Thanks to a partnership involving the European Union, African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states, and the International Trade Centre (ITC), farming communities in Magoye and Ngwezi have more than doubled their cotton yields and significantly improved their quality of life.

Prior to 2021, smallholder cotton farmers in these regions faced increasingly poor harvests, depleted soils, and little access to sustainable agricultural practices. Today, through the ITC-led EU/ACP-funded project, those same farmers are thriving. Many have reported increased cotton yields, from as few as six bales per season to as many as 30. This jump in productivity has enabled them to reinvest in livestock, education, and their future resilience.

At the heart of this transformation are two natural and environmentally sound soil enhancement methods: Biochar and Bokashi. These techniques have played a major role in regenerating soil fertility and improving crop health. Biochar enhances the soil’s ability to retain water and store carbon, while Bokashi allows farmers to convert organic waste into a nutrient-rich compost that feeds crops and reduces reliance on chemical inputs. Both approaches are sustainable, cost-effective, and well-suited to the local environment.

The project, running from 2021 to 2025, has so far trained over 130,000 farmers across three regions in Zambia. In the pilot plots, there has been 100% adoption of Biochar, Bokashi, and other climate-resilient methods. The results have been striking-not only in terms of agricultural yield but also in wider social and economic impact. Families are now investing in cows, goats, and plough animals. Household incomes have grown, and many families are now able to afford school fees and improve access to education for their children.

By adopting these climate-smart techniques, farmers have been able to secure their livelihoods and build long-term resilience in the face of climate change. The success of the project highlights the power of combining traditional knowledge with innovative, sustainable farming practices. It also underscores the importance of collaboration between international organisations and local communities.

This shift is more than just agricultural-it’s about empowerment, economic independence, and environmental responsibility. Through tools like Biochar and Bokashi, Zambian cotton farmers are not only rebuilding their soils but also their futures.

The project, called Pastoralism and Livestock Marketing in Cameroon, Nigeria, Chad Cross-Border Territories (PASCO), is set to run for four years.

Action Against Hunger (ACF), together with national and regional partners, has launched a £10mn livestock development project aimed at improving the livelihoods of pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in Nigeria, Chad, and Cameroon.

The project, called Pastoralism and Livestock Marketing in Cameroon, Nigeria, Chad Cross-Border Territories (PASCO), is set to run for four years. It focuses on boosting resilience, increasing income, and strengthening livestock trade across borders by building better market systems and enhancing value chains.

The initiative was introduced at a national workshop held in Yola. Representing ACF Nigeria Country Thierno Diallo, Director  and Emmanuel Pmabi, the field coordinator in Borno, explained that the project targets vulnerable communities in the Lake Chad Basin.

“The project will improve livelihoods, particularly for women, youth, and vulnerable agro-pastoral communities. It will open up new markets and ensure reliable off-takers for livestock products,” said Diallo.

He highlighted that beyond climate challenges, poor access to markets has held back livestock producers. PASCO is expected to fix this gap by creating sustainable trading systems.

Jocelin Glaguidi, chief of party for PASCO, described the project as a necessary step to help communities facing economic and security difficulties. “This project will promote inclusive governance, cross-border trade, and sustainable natural resource management within the Lake Chad Basin,” he said.

Alhaji Idi Maiha, the federal minister of livestock development, welcomed the launch, saying it supports Bola Tinubu President's renewed focus on livestock development, marked by the creation of a dedicated ministry in 2024.

“With the right infrastructure, enhanced security, and strong collaboration among the three countries, we can develop seamless cross-border livestock value chains that will benefit pastoralists and increase national revenue,” the minister stated.

He acknowledged existing problems such as insecurity and the effects of climate change, but assured stakeholders that the government is working on solutions.

Dr. Emmanuel Kadal, Borno’s State technical director of livestock development, praised PASCO for aligning with ongoing state efforts. “The governor has established international cattle markets in several local government areas to restore livelihoods and enhance resilience in post-conflict communities. This project will further boost productivity,” he said.

The project is funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) through the Minka Peace and Resilience Fund. Implementation is led by IRAM in partnership with ACF and other local and regional actors.

The launch event brought together government officials, NGOs, and community leaders from across the Lake Chad region.