MTC launches HTTPS and MTC mobile home at NUST
MTC established the MTC Innovation Centre in 2020 with the goal of creating a hub for testing, developing, and showcasing new business and consumer ICT applications. Initially located in Windhoek's Maerua Mall, the MTC Innovation Centre served as a physical space for digital and physical tools aimed at driving innovation provided by MC's Enterprise division. The innovation centre was designed to foster the development of enterprise-based services ranging from comprehensive fibre internet to digital cloud computing services that will drive digital transformation in the consumer and enterprise space.In 2021, MTC partnered up with the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) to launch the High-Tech Transfer Plaza Select (HTTPS), a technology-inspired hub that will facilitate co-creation, collaboration, and co-development between industry, government, and academia. This was officially launched last week at the university’s lower campus.
MTC expanded its innovation capabilities through the HTTPS initiative by incorporating the research and development strengths of key national academic institutions and forging strategic alliances with industry and various stakeholders.
This strategic move aims to leverage academic thought leadership and extend ICT innovation to student communities and the general public in order to build a more inclusive and sustainable model for technology creation, experimentation, and adoption.
Speaking at the launch, minister of information, communication and technology (MICT), Dr Peya Mushelenga, stated that it is his ministry's mandate to create an enabling environment for ICT development for socio-economic growth.
"To achieve this, the ministry has embarked on several initiatives and policy specific guidance towards an informed and inclusive ICT and technologically innovative smart Namibia," Mushelenga said.
Furthermore, NUST vice chancellor Dr Ernold Naomed stated that HTTPS is a social innovation enterprise that supports and fosters the skills development, upskilling and migration of the national workforce for digitalisation to meet the demands of the fourth industrial revolution and beyond. "At HTTPS we work with researchers, entrepreneurs, teachers, schools and students in various aspects of digital literacy, such as systems and software development," said Naomeb.