Bridging the Digital Skills Gap: Namibian MSMEs to Benefit from New Regional Digital Bootcamps

In a world increasingly reliant on technology, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) who fail to digitise risk becoming sidelined. Recognising this hurdle, the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), the Namibian College of Open Learning (NAMCOL) and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) have formed a strategic partnership to launch the MSME Regional Digital Bootcamps. These Regional Digital Bootcamps are designed to provide Namibian MSMEs with the critical digital skills and tools they need to compete and thrive in the global economy.

This initiative, aligned with the NIPDB’s mandate to develop globally competitive Namibian enterprises, will introduce and improve computer skills in MSMEs and promote digitisation as a key enabler for business growth. An integral aspect of any business' success lies in its ability to leverage digitisation to streamline processes, improve customer experiences, reduce costs and increase overall efficiency. The implementation of cloud-based accounting and payroll systems is one such example of how digitisation can transform business operations.

The Bootcamps are funded by KAS and will be conducted through hands-on training sessions at NAMCOL’s computer-based learning centres in Ongwediva from 24 to 28 July 2023, Rundu from 21 to 25 August 2023 and Otjiwarongo from 25 to 29 September 2023. The curriculum, developed in response to insights gained from the Know2Grow (K2G) initiative, an NIPDB regional knowledge dissemination initiative, and the OMDis Town Transform Agency (OMDIs) Expo, an initiative which focuses on the acceleration of Oranjemund's economic development, will focus on the practical application of technology in everyday business operations, such as cloud storage and digital marketing.

"Our vision is to ensure that every MSME in Namibia has the opportunity to capitalise on the transformative power of digital technology and this initiative underscores the three organisations' shared commitment to fostering a climate of technological innovation and entrepreneurship in Namibia. MSMEs form the backbone of Namibia's economy, and equipping them with essential digital capabilities is a vital step towards sustainable economic development,” said Dino Ballotti, Executive Director of MSME Development, Innovation and Acceleration.

The NIPDB, KAS and NAMCOL are, therefore, calling for applications from MSMEs to apply for the five-day Regional Digital Bootcamps, particularly those that are youth-owned, female-owned, TVET-focused (Artisans) and owned by people living with disabilities. Interested MSMEs are encouraged to submit their application through the provided online form: bit.ly/46ZTU9N by Monday, 17 July 2023.

This article originally appeared on All Africa

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