IPC questions Namibia's N$245 million smart city grant from China, citing digital sovereignty concerns
via The Namibian1 min read
The Independent Patriots for Change IPC has raised concerns regarding the Namibian government's acceptance of a N$245 million grant from China for a smart city pilot project. Rodney Cloete, IPC shadow minister of international relations and trade, stated that the party believes the grant, announced during President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah鈥檚 state visit to China, carries long-term risks that could outweigh its benefits. The IPC argues that the grant is insignificant compared to the over N$40 billion in annual trade between Namibia and China, and that the country risks losing control over critical digital infrastructure while continuing to export raw minerals. Cloete highlighted that smart city projects often depend on foreign-owned technology and surveillance systems, prompting questions about data storage, technology ownership, and potential dependence on external service providers. The party also dismissed the government's celebration of zero-tariff access for Namibian exports to China, asserting that benefits will remain limited if the country primarily exports raw minerals instead of value-added products. The IPC has called on President Nandi-Ndaitwah and the Ministry of International Relations and Trade to release the full terms and conditions of the grant, including provisions on data ownership, infrastructure control, and procurement, to ensure transparency for Namibians regarding potential foreign control over public digital infrastructure.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Star flyhalf Finn Russell is back in the Scotland team for a Nations Championship match against world champions South Africa in Pretoria this Saturday. The 33-year-old British and Irish Lion missed Scotland's recent victory over Argentina due to a calf injury. Russell replaces Tom Jordan, who is now among the eight replacements for the Test at Loftus Versfeld stadium. Coach Gregor Townsend made two other changes to the starting lineup, with tighthead prop Zander Fagerson replacing Elliot Millar Mills and lock Gregor Brown promoted in place of Jonny Gray. Scotland aims to end a nine-match losing streak against the four-time Rugby World Cup champions. This will be Scotland's first match in South Africa since 2014. Inside centre Sione Tuipulotu will captain the team.
Tadej Pogacar won the mountainous sixth stage of the Tour de France, reclaiming the race leader鈥檚 yellow jersey. Pogacar now leads by 2 minutes 42 seconds over his main rival Jonas Vingegaard, who finished second on the 186km Pyrenean stage from Pau to Gavarnie-Gedre. Pogacar set a new record for the fastest time up the Tourmalet on his way to his 23rd Tour stage victory. His team-mate Isaac Del Toro secured third place, moving ahead of Remco Evenepoel in the overall standings. Torstein Traeen, who started the day in yellow, lost contact with the lead group on the Tourmalet climb and later crashed, finishing half an hour behind. Pogacar鈥檚 UAE Emirates-XRG team increased the pace on the Col d鈥橝spin and Col du Tourmalet, with temperatures reaching 40C. Pogacar attacked about 4km from the summit of the Tourmalet, quickly gaining a lead over his rivals. Vingegaard acknowledged the tough day but stated his belief in himself and that the fight for the overall victory is not over. Australian Ben O鈥機onnor attempted a solo breakaway earlier in the stage, but was reeled in by UAE. The pace set by Pogacar's team also caused other riders, including Alex Baudin, to fall behind.
New Zealand coach Dave Rennie has made five changes to the All Blacks' starting lineup for the upcoming Nations Championship Test against Italy in Wellington. Leroy Carter will start on the left wing, replacing Caleb Clarke, while Billy Proctor comes in at outside centre. Tyrel Lomax, lock Tupou Vaa鈥檌, and flanker Wallace Sititi are also included in the starting XV. The replacements bench features six new faces, including German-born loose forward Anton Segner and wing Josh Moorby, who are both in line for their potential debuts. Rennie stated that the changes provide opportunities for players who have earned their spots and that the team respects Italy, acknowledging their capability to challenge any team in the Six Nations competition. Italy has never defeated New Zealand in their 17 previous encounters, with New Zealand winning their last match in Turin in 2024 with a score of 29-11.