The woman behind the website

Designed by Alisa Amupolo, a young Namibian social techno-preneur, www.information.na went live on 1 July 2013 with the aim to become an end-to-end solution.
“What makes us unique is that we created a platform that unifies and is integrated with mobile technology. We wanted a platform where people could delve deeper information. It’s a one stop shop. Architectural, the website is designed to enhance the user experience,” explained Amupolo.
In an interview with the Economist, Amupolo shared her experience within the industry and what eventually lead her to this idea. “My first journey into the sector was at Unam where i was given an option to specialize in public relations (PR). In my third year of studies my lecture was impressed with my performance in corporate communications. She informed me that there were training programmes offered in her department at Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC). She was very passionate at developing young people so I took the opportunity and worked there part time until I completed my degree.”
Soon afterwards, Amupolo was presented with the opportunity to work at Global Fund. It is here where she says she experienced “an awakening”. Given the opportunity to travel she met consultants from all over the world that were doing communications for behavioural impact. She says she was captivated by the work that she was doing she decided to pursue postgraduate studies.
She received a scholarship to study at Leeds in the UK. She studied international communications where she learnt communication legislation as well as the role of ICT in communications. After her studies, she worked for the Commonwealth secretariat as an ICT officer. The experience to her was quite humbling and it was through this opportunity that her network grew. After a few months at the Commonwealth secretariat she decided to return back to Namibia.
Back home she worked for the company now known as Communications Regulatory Authority in Namibia (CRAN). “My mission was to create an operational body that has full capacity. Once we recruited the new management and the CEO it was time to move on. I then joined the group that was involved in founding Namibia Statistics Agency as it made its transition from the National Planning Commission.
“Soon after its establishment I reverted back to the dream which was creating information accessible to the local Namibians using current advancements within the market. This is how www.information.na came to life.”
She says the website gives an opportunity to companies to host adverts for jobs on offer, tenders and several other options.The website operates in real time meaning an hour after the information is uploaded on the website it will be accessible to all.
She says that 11 direct jobs and 9 indirect jobs will be created within the short to medium term. 10% of the company’s equity is held by Namibian women from previously disadvantaged backgrounds while 5% of its profit will be channelled to Nation Foundation Trust, the company’s corporate social responsibility arm.
Amupolo states that the company is targeting trade shows for their marketing needs. They will also be engaging companies in  the mining and tourism industries.“We cater for companies that want to expand their reach, tap into a new segment or simply create visibility around their activities,” says Amupolo, adding that www.information.na is an ideal solution due to a shift towards online media. Information will be available on the website from as early as 8 August 2013