Enterprise risk management: Strengthening ICT in Namibia

Deputy minister of information and communication technology Modestus Amutse at the opening of the Risk Management Implementation Training, Windhoek, 10 March 2025.

It is a pleasure to stand before you today at this crucial training session on enterprise risk management (ERM) for our Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) here in the Republic of Namibia. 

First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Mr Cole and the Commonwealth Secretariat for the invaluable technical assistance provided to us, and to all of you for being here today. 

Your presence here is a clear indication of the collective commitment we share to ensure that the ministry harnesses the full potential of information and communication technology (ICT), while effectively managing the risks associated with its rapid advancement.

As you are well aware, the ministry (MICT) is the backbone of our nation’s digital infrastructure and plays a central role in shaping the future of Namibia’s digital landscape. 

We are entrusted with the vital responsibility of laying the foundation for the accelerated use and development of ICT in Namibia, while also coordinating information management across the country. We are responsible for developing policies, systems, and infrastructure that not only drive technological innovation but also bolster our national security, economic resilience, and social well-being.

In this ambitious journey, we face a wide range of risks that could hinder our ability to achieve these objectives. These risks range from cyberthreats and data breaches to technological obsolescence and project implementation challenges. Therefore, it is imperative that we recognise the importance of enterprise risk management in mitigating these challenges.

At MICT, we have taken significant strides in acknowledging the importance of ERM. Currently, we are in the process of conducting a comprehensive review of our ERM policy, which will soon be approved by our minister. 

Following this, an ERM framework will be developed to guide the implementation of the policy. Furthermore, we have an independent audit and risk committee in place, and we have appointed risk champions within each division and section across the ministry.

However, we all know that ERM is an ongoing journey. This training today marks a critical step in embedding ERM into our ministry’s day-to-day operations. I am confident that this session will equip all participants with the knowledge and skills required to navigate the complex risk landscape of the ICT sector. With this expertise, we will be better positioned to deliver on our mandate, both effectively and efficiently.

Under the guidance and unwavering support of our leadership, the top leadership of this ministry is fully committed to the successful implementation of ERM. Our approach to risk management will provide clarity, direction, and assurance on the reliability of MICT’s systems and the services we provide to the people of Namibia.

In closing, I encourage each and every one of you to actively engage in this training. Share your experiences, collaborate with one another, and absorb as much knowledge as you can. This training is designed to equip you with the tools and expertise to address the challenges we face in the ICT sector and to safeguard our country’s digital transformation.

Together, let us build a ministry of ICT that is not only innovative and dynamic but also secure, reliable, and resilient in its mission to support Namibia’s digital future.

Thank you for your attention, and I wish you all a productive and insightful training session.

With that, I hereby officially open this ERM implementation training.