Dirk van Zyl: Driving change at Network Innovation Hub

For Dirk van Zyl, innovation has always been more than a buzzword; it’s a personal mission.

From an early age, he found himself analysing how processes worked, spotting inefficiencies, and dreaming up better ways to get things done.

This natural curiosity led him into the professional world in 2019, starting at what was then Namibia Media Holdings (NMH) – now Emeraldsand Platforms (ESP) – and later returning to the group after furthering his studies.

Today, as executive director of Network Innovation Hub, he combines technology, automation and user-focused design to deliver solutions that create real impact.

Van Zyl's academic background in software development, with a specialisation in artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, has deeply influenced his leadership style. It’s a mix of precision, adaptability and innovation, always with an emphasis on solutions that are practical, scalable and built around the end-user. “For me, leadership in this sector is about creating systems that solve real problems, remove inefficiencies, and empower people,” he says.

Making a difference

His daily motivation comes from seeing ideas evolve from concept to reality. Whether it’s refining processes, uncovering overlooked problems or improving systems, Van Zyl approaches every project as an opportunity to make a measurable difference.

This drive aligns with Network Innovation Hub’s core mission: to identify challenges faced by businesses, communities and industries and develop innovative, technology-driven solutions that deliver long-term value.

One of Van Zyl’s proudest professional moments came unexpectedly, during a conference where a speaker showcased a website.

The audience’s reaction was one of admiration for its design and functionality. As it turned out, the site was a Network Innovation Hub project. “It was a reminder that what we do has a real, visible impact,” he recalls.

Embrace innovation

Leading a growing innovation hub comes with challenges.

For Van Zyl, managing multiple high-priority projects without sacrificing quality required creating structured workflows, setting clear priorities and fostering open communication within the team.

This collaborative environment not only ensures top-quality work but also keeps the team motivated and aligned with the organisation’s vision.

Looking ahead, Dirk envisions positioning Network Innovation Hub as a leader in delivering practical, accessible solutions in Namibia and beyond. He hopes to see faster adoption of technology across industries, breaking through hesitation and resistance to change. “If we embrace innovation as an enabler rather than a disruption,” he says, “we can accelerate growth, improve efficiency and create lasting benefits for businesses and communities alike.”