LocationsBeing a Public Servant Digital Pocket Guide 2.0 Launched to Empower Namibian Government Officials
December 11, 2023
Through a dynamic partnership involving the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Office and the Office of the Prime Minister in Namibia, the highly anticipated "Being a Public Servant in Namibia Digital Pocket Guide 2.0" was officially launched on Friday, 24 November 2023 at Mercure Hotel in Windhoek, attracting a diverse range of government officials, UNDP representatives, and members of the media.
The design process included consultation and contributions from Offices, Ministries, Agencies (OMAS) and Regional Councils. Ms Ahunna Eziakonwa, UNDP Africa Regional Director, Hon. Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Secretary to the Cabinet, George Simataa, and the UNDP Namibia Resident Representative, Alka Bhatia. The UNDP Accelerator Lab led the excellent work in Namibia in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister.
Speaking at the launch, Ms Ahunna Eziakonwa, UNDP Africa Regional Director, applauded the great work that made the pocket guide a reality and the joint effors and partnership collaboration taking root.
"The launch serves as a moment to deliberate on the paramount importance of strengthening Governance and Strong institutions. UNDP remains steadfast in its commitment to partnering with government, fostering an inclusive development that leaves no one behind," she said.
She stated that the launch is not only about a Digital Employee Manueal but also a testament to the unwavering commitment to forging governance structures that stand as pillars of strength for the African nations to build upon.
"As we celebrate the launch of The Pocket Guide 2.0 and its related solutions to address access to information and digital learning and development for the Namibian public service, let us recognise that the power of governance and strong institutions extends beyond administrative frameworks", she mentioned.
Hon. Prime Minister Saara Kuugongwelwa-Amadhila highlighted the government's commitment to reforming the public sector for better responsiveness to citizens' needs in public service. Emphasizing Vision 2030's aim for Namibia to become a knowledge-based economy, Kuugongelwa-Amadhila stressed seamless access to tailored information for diverse user preferences and needs.
She said that the focus on the Public Sector Innovation Policy developed to foster creativity and innovation within the Public Service, driving towards more effective and efficient delivery of services to Namibian citizens.
The ultimate goal is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of public service delivery to Namibian citizens," she said.
The launch of the digital version of the pocket guide, intended for Namibian public servants, stands as a pivotal element within the innovation ecosystem, fast-tracking progress towards enhanced service delivery.
The innovative digital pocket guide aims to empower public officials by providing a comprehensive resource to enhance their understanding of their roles and responsibilities. The pocket guide distils crucial information into an easily accessible format, conveniently hosted on digital devices.
The launch event commented with opening remarks from key dignitatires, ncluding the Prime Minister of Namibia, who highlighted the guide's importance in fostering good governance and promoting efficient public service delivery. The Prime Minister appreciated the close collaboration between UNDP and the Office of the Prime Minister, emphasizing the shared commitment to public sector excellence.
Ms Alka Bhatia, Resident Representative, UNDP Namibia, echoed the previous speaker's sentiments, expressing her enthusiasm for the joint initiative and underscoping the organisations dedication to supporting countries in strengthening their governance frameworks. She stressed that the Being a Public Servant digital pocket guide alighned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 16, which seeks to promote peace, justice and strong institutions.
"Let's embrace innovation. Together, we can build a prosperous future", she said.
Dr George Simataa, Secretary to Cabinet, emphasized that i the quest to improve public service as a government, OPM has recognized the importance of digital transformation as a crucial component of enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery.
"At a national level, government is doing well in embracing technologies and leveraging them to enhance competitiveness, spur innovation, improve the quality of our sovereign who are the citizen of this country".
He said that implementing legislation and initiatives surrounding information technology can foster a conducive environment for us to do digital innovation and prove the necessary infrastructure to do digital transformation.
During the launch event, Ms Justina Shivolo from the Office of the Prime Minister, Dr Yrika Maritz and Dr Maria Ausiku from UNDP Namibia demonstrated features and functionalities of the digital pocket guide. Participants were shown how the guide enables quick and easy access to critical knowledge, including legal frameworks, ethical guidelines, and courses for which public servants can sign up. The guide, which was developed locally by Dr Ausiku uses open source in its design, has a user-friendly interface and intuitive navigation using generate AI with its own Pocket Bot, and also aims to be more effective at communicating important information to new employees.
The Pocket Guide 2.0 also has a series of micro-learning modules which are designed to provide micro-byte sized lessons on how the public service works. This component seeks to address the gaps in providing adequate induction and orientation training across the Public Service.
The Being a Public Servant digital pocket guide is a paradigm shift in how government officials in Namibia navigate the intricate landscape of the public service. With its comprehensive and easily accessible information using generative AI and real-time data, this innovative tool will undoubtedly contribute to enhanced evidence-based policy making, governance, increased accountability, and improved service delivery for the people of Namibia.
The Namibian government has embraced digitalization with the launch of the online passport and short-term visa application system by the Ministry of Home Affairs and several digital solutions developed by other agencies and ministries.
