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Namibia has rolled out Phase II of the Africa-Asia Youth Coding Initiative, a project aimed at introducing coding and artificial intelligence (AI) into the country’s formal education system. The programme, which builds on the achievements of its first phase, is led by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in partnership with private technology companies CODEMAO and OPPO.
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC), the Embassy of China, and the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST). It seeks to equip Namibian learners and teachers with 21st-century digital skills and prepare them for the demands of a technology-driven world.
At the official launch ceremony, 200 OPPO Pad 2 tablets were handed over to eight pilot schools to facilitate hands-on digital learning. The beneficiary schools are M&K Gertze Secondary School in Hardap Region, Rundu Secondary School in Kavango East, Khomas High School in Khomas, Ekangolinene Combined School in Omusati, Mweshipandeka Secondary School in Oshana, Okahandja Secondary School in Otjozondjupa, Ngweze Secondary School in Zambezi, and Leevi Hakusembe Secondary School in Kavango West.
Namibia’s Education Minister, Sanet Steenkamp, said the project aligns with the country’s Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) and is designed to empower learners and teachers with the skills needed to thrive in an evolving global economy. “This initiative is a vital step in ensuring our young people are not left behind in the digital era,” she said.
The Head of UNESCO’s Namibia Office, Eunice Smith, noted that the programme would play a crucial role in Namibia’s ambition to become an industrialised nation by 2030. She emphasised that improving digital literacy and AI awareness in schools would ensure young Namibians are better prepared for future job markets and technological challenges.
China’s Ambassador to Namibia, Zhao Weiping, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Africa’s digital transformation. He said China was proud to partner with Namibia in developing a new generation of tech-savvy citizens. ICT Minister Emma Theofelus also attended the event and participated in the official handover of devices to the schools.
Phase I of the Africa-Asia Youth Coding Initiative trained over 3,000 learners and 350 teachers in basic coding skills and technology use. The new phase will expand this training, integrate coding and AI into the national ICT curriculum, and ensure that schools have the resources and tools needed for practical digital learning.
The Africa-Asia Youth Coding Initiative is part of a broader continental effort to bridge Africa’s digital skills gap, foster innovation, and create a workforce capable of competing in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. By targeting young learners, Namibia aims to nurture creativity, problem-solving abilities, and technological confidence from an early age.
Officials say the project is not only about teaching coding as a technical skill but also about encouraging innovation, critical thinking, and digital entrepreneurship. In the long term, it is expected to contribute to job creation, economic growth, and reduced youth unemployment in the country.
With global economies rapidly embracing AI and digital technologies, Namibia’s integration of these skills into formal education represents a significant investment in its human capital. The programme is expected to inspire similar partnerships in other African nations seeking to close the digital divide and prepare their young people for future opportunities.
