Young Namibians got some good news this week: the African Development Bank announced it will pump N$5.6 billion into the country’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system and artificial intelligence.
The funding, according to the bank, will modernise vocational institutions, establish a National Artificial Intelligence Institute and create 15 000 workplace opportunities for young people by 2030.
Although this is a positive development, Namibians should demand transparency and accountability.
Creating 15 000 jobs will mean little if there are no companies left to hire graduates.
The government is the country’s biggest buyer of work, and when tenders go to failing state-owned enterprises and their politically connected partners, private firms are left without contracts.
Companies without contracts do not grow, and firms that do not grow do not take on artisans.
Vocational training graduates will not be absorbed into the market if state tenders are not fairly allocated.
On artificial intelligence, we hope information and communication technology minister Emma Theofelus moves faster on the laws and regulations the country needs. Our policy drive in that area has been slow.
Facts Only
* The African Development Bank announced funding N$5.6 billion into Namibia’s TVET system and artificial intelligence.
* Funding will modernize vocational institutions.
* The plan involves establishing a National Artificial Intelligence Institute.
* The plan aims to create 15,000 workplace opportunities for young people by 2030.
* The government is the country’s largest buyer of work.
* Tenders are sometimes awarded to failing state-owned enterprises and their politically connected partners.