How technology can support Namibia’s digital economy
Digital mobility has the potential to contribute to Namibia’s digital economy beyond connecting passengers with drivers, creating opportunities for local businesses, supporting entrepreneurship and opening new possibilities for innovation in logistics, financial services and data-driven solutions. This was the message delivered by Alex Mungai, Country Manager of Yango Namibia, during a breakout session at the 9th Namibia National ICT Summit, held in Ongwediva from 12 to 16 October 2026. In his presentation, titled “Digital Mobility as a Catalyst for Namibia’s Digital Economy,” Mungai explained how a ride-hailing platform relies on several interconnected technologies, including real-time driver-passenger matching, digital mapping, route prediction, payments, data analytics and safety systems.
“Yango is not a taxi app. It’s an ICT case study wearing a taxi app,” was the central idea underpinning his presentation, highlighting how digital platforms can operate as technology infrastructure supporting services across the physical economy. For users, the process may appear simple: request a ride and connect with a driver. Behind that interaction, however, technology works continuously to match supply with demand, estimate arrival times, coordinate journeys and support safety. These capabilities demonstrate how ICT can address practical challenges while creating opportunities for further digital innovation. Mungai also highlighted the economic opportunities within the wider mobility ecosystem. Under Yango’s asset-light operating model, vehicles are owned by driver-partners and fleet owners rather than the platform itself. This creates an opportunity for local entrepreneurs to build transport businesses, manage fleets and access customer demand through digital technology. The economic contribution can extend beyond drivers to businesses such as vehicle maintenance workshops, tyre suppliers, panel beaters and insurance providers. As transport businesses grow and formalise their operations, these supporting services can also benefit from increased economic activity.
Compliance and safety were another important focus of the presentation. Mungai highlighted Yango’s collaboration with AA Namibia in digitising driver safety and compliance tracking, including Passenger Carriage Permit (PCP) and Certificate of Compliance (COC) processes. The initiative illustrates how technology can support more systematic record-keeping and verification, helping connect compliance with the broader goals of formalisation and responsible operations. He further discussed the importance of digital payments and data infrastructure. Digital transactions can create more reliable records of economic activity, while aggregated operational data can help businesses better understand demand and make informed decisions. However, the extent to which such records support access to financial services depends on how they are recognised and used by financial institutions.
Another major theme of the presentation was how digital platforms generate local economic opportunity. Yango operates on an asset-light model the company provides the technology platform, while local driver-partners and fleet owners own and maintain the vehicles. This structure allows local entrepreneurs to build and scale their own transport businesses. It also creates a ripple effect throughout the broader economy, driving business to local mechanics, tire shops, service centres, and insurance providers. Looking ahead, the presentation explored opportunities to extend digital mobility into adjacent areas, including logistics, delivery services, financial technology and data solutions for businesses and cities. Mungai also called on Namibia’s ICT professionals and developers to explore how existing digital infrastructure could support locally relevant products and services.
For Yango, the broader opportunity lies in demonstrating how technology can connect people, businesses and services while contributing to the development of Namibia’s digital economy. As the country continues to invest in digital transformation, collaboration between technology companies, government and local innovators will be important in turning these possibilities into practical economic opportunities. As Namibia continues to expand its digital footprint, Mungai highlighted a clear message, the real power of digital transformation lies not just in adopting international tech trends, but in building practical, local solutions that empower entrepreneurs and drive inclusive economic growth.
