 4. Prior to Namibia's independence on 21 March 1990, Namibian people were divided into homelands based on their ethnic and tribal orientation. A legacy that was imprinted in the minds of Namibians, thus robbing them of their sense of common identity and loyalty to a single state. As the custodian of the Nationhood and National Pride programme, the Ministry therefore has the responsibility to reinforce the message of unity and national pride in order to ensure that citizens take ownership and contribute to the achievement of Vision 2030. In addition it is important that the Namibians tell their stories the Namibian way. Negative effects of world economic crisis on Namibia economy. This issue, although by nature an external factor which is outside the control of the Ministry, does impact Four (4) Strategic negatively on Namibia’s economic growth and in turn on Objectives: financial resources which are required to execute the So1: Accelerate ICT programmes and projects. Our Strategic Objectives In order to attain its vision the ministry’s Strategic Plan puts forth four (4) high-level Strategic Objectives/ Strategies which will be used to overcome the Strategic issues outlined above. 4.1. Strategic Objective (SO1): Accelerate ICT development, access and use for an inclusive ICT smart Namibia The following interventions will be used to accelerate ICT development, access and use for an inclusive ICT smart Namibia. development, access and use for an inclusive ICT smart Namibia SO2: Enhance unhindered access to information for an informed nation SO3: Promote Namibia as a preferred film destination SO4: Enhance an enabling environment for a high performance culture and effective service delivery a) Harmonization of ICT and Information legislation; b) Formulation/ updating and amendment of ICT policies where necessary; c) Strengthening ICT and information Research and Development (R & D) to timely respond to changing technology; d) Improving coordination mechanisms of ICT and information programmes and projects; e) Strengthening the over-sight role on the implementation of the ICT policies and laws; f) Ensuring the development and implementation of mechanisms to protect the nation from cybercrimes and extremism; 14 Ministry of Information and Communication Technology STRATEGIC PLAN 2017 - 22