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Namibia must swiftly address critical policy and infrastructure gaps to fully harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) for inclusive and sustainable economic development. This is the key message from the Namibian Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment Report, officially launched in Windhoek.
Speaking at the launch, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Dino Ballotti, emphasized the need for a unified and strategic national approach to AI development—one that is grounded in human rights, transparency, and accountability. “We take a bold and necessary step in positioning Namibia on the global map of ethical, inclusive, and forward-thinking artificial intelligence development,” Ballotti said.
The report acknowledges the progress Namibia has made in laying the foundation for digital transformation, including investments in digital infrastructure, promotion of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, and the introduction of relevant legislation such as the Access to Information Act of 2022 and the draft Data Protection Bill.
However, Ballotti cautioned that without a dedicated national AI strategy or regulatory framework, the country risks falling behind in the global AI race and missing out on the technology’s benefits. “Namibia currently has no dedicated national AI strategy or policy, which limits our ability to coordinate and govern AI development in a holistic and forward-looking manner,” he stated.
A key concern raised in the report is the persistent digital divide. Disparities in broadband access, digital literacy, and device availability disproportionately affect rural communities, low-income households, women, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups. These gaps threaten to reinforce existing inequalities rather than bridge them.
Ballotti also flagged a worrying lack of public awareness and capacity within media and civil society to engage with AI-related issues, warning that this compromises democratic participation and informed public discourse. “Public awareness of AI is low, and media and civil society capacity to critically engage with AI issues is limited. This undermines inclusive policy dialogue and democratic oversight,” he said.
To address these challenges, the report outlines a series of recommendations, including formulating a comprehensive national AI strategy to coordinate development and governance; creating a multi-stakeholder AI advisory council representing government, academia, industry, and civil society; strengthening data governance frameworks to ensure responsible data use; investing in digital infrastructure to improve connectivity and access across all regions; fostering public-private partnerships to drive innovation and implementation; and promoting digital literacy and ethical education to prepare society for an AI-integrated future. “Formulating a national AI strategy, strengthening data governance, supporting innovation, promoting digital literacy, and embedding AI into national development planning are all essential actions that must be pursued together,” Ballotti affirmed.
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The Namibian government has committed to a rights-based and inclusive approach to AI, recognizing the need to involve all sectors of society in the development and oversight of the technology. As part of this commitment, Namibia will participate in a UNESCO-led Regional Forum on AI Ethics, aimed at enhancing continental cooperation and shared governance. The report marks a pivotal moment in Namibia’s digital journey, highlighting both the urgency and opportunity for the country to shape a future where AI serves as a tool for inclusive progress rather than a source of division.
