Namibia launches artificial intelligence readiness assessment report

Namibia Forges Ahead: Paving the Way for a Human-Centered AI Future

Namibia has taken a decisive step into its digital future with the official launch of its first Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment Report. This landmark document represents a comprehensive evaluation of the nation's capacity to responsibly adopt, develop, and govern AI, aligning with UNESCO's global Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, which was adopted by all 193 Member States in 2021.

AI for All: A Vision for Inclusive Development

As Deputy Minister Hon. Dino Ballotti eloquently stated, AI's true purpose extends beyond mere machines and algorithms. It's fundamentally about people and national priorities. Imagine a Namibia where AI empowers every child with adaptive learning platforms, provides farmers with climate-smart data, supports healthcare workers with advanced diagnostic tools, and enables youth to create, innovate, and thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Namibia is committed to a human-centered, rights-based approach to AI. This pledge involves active collaboration across all sectors to ensure that technology consistently advances sustainable development while rigorously protecting human rights, fostering transparency, and upholding accountability.

Key Insights: Progress and Pathways to Growth

Compiled by the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) with crucial support from UNESCO and the Government of Japan, the assessment measured Namibia’s readiness across five crucial dimensions: legal and regulatory frameworks, social and cultural impacts, scientific and educational capacity, economic potential, and technical and infrastructural readiness.

The report highlights commendable progress in Namibia’s journey towards AI integration. Notable achievements include improved connectivity across the nation, the successful integration of AI ethics into university curricula, and a growing recognition within various sectors of AI's immense potential as a significant driver of economic growth.

However, the report also candidly identifies persistent challenges that need urgent attention:

• The absence of a formal, comprehensive national AI regulatory framework.
• The imperative need to finalize the Data Protection Bill to safeguard personal information.
• Limited electricity access, particularly in rural regions, hindering widespread digital adoption.
• Significant gaps in AI-related skills across various sectors, necessitating targeted training.
• A critical shortage of AI training data available in Indigenous languages, posing a barrier to inclusive development.

Actionable Blueprint: Building a Resilient AI Ecosystem

To bridge these identified gaps and unlock AI's full transformative potential for all Namibians, the report offers vital, actionable recommendations:

• Establish a comprehensive national AI governance framework to provide clear guidelines and oversight.
• Significantly increase funding for AI research and development to foster local innovation.
• Strengthen and expand rural infrastructure, particularly electricity and internet access, to ensure equitable participation.
• Invest deeply in AI literacy across all educational levels, from primary school to tertiary institutions, to prepare the future workforce.
• Actively support and nurture local AI startups, creating a vibrant ecosystem for technological entrepreneurship.
• Integrate AI strategically into critical public sectors such as healthcare, language technologies, environmental sustainability initiatives, and digital government services to enhance efficiency and public good.

A crucial emphasis, articulated during the launch, was placed on including Indigenous communities directly in AI development processes. This highlights the need for culturally relevant and equitable solutions that serve the diverse needs of Namibia’s population.

UNESCO: A Steadfast Partner in Namibia's AI Journey

UNESCO, through its Head of Office and Representative to Namibia, Ms. Eunice Smith, reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to assisting Namibia in harnessing AI for its national development priorities, notably the ambitious Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6). UNESCO's extensive expertise across its core mandates of education, sciences, culture, and communications uniquely positions it to provide the necessary support and guidance.

Already, UNESCO is actively supporting AI capacity development through several ongoing initiatives:

• ICT in Education projects, focusing on curriculum and content development, as well as essential teacher training.
• Media and Information Literacy initiatives, empowering young people to navigate the complex online world safely and responsibly.
• Scaling up advanced simulation technology at universities to provide practical AI exposure.
• The recently launched Youth Coding and AI Initiative, in partnership with MEIYSAC and MICT, fostering early engagement with AI skills.

Looking ahead, UNESCO plans to introduce specialized AI capacity-building programs for the judiciary and policymakers, significantly strengthen public awareness campaigns about AI's implications, and support the creation of vital national institutions such as specialized think tanks and a proposed AI Institute.

From Vision to Reality: The Imperative of Implementation

The launch event unequivocally underscored a critical takeaway: the report’s insightful recommendations will only yield meaningful impact if they are translated into timely and decisive action. Panelists stressed the urgent need for Namibia to shorten the gap between strategic commitment and practical implementation to remain competitive and relevant in the rapidly evolving global AI landscape.

Converting data into strategic direction, insights into sustainable outcomes, and recommendations into concrete measures is paramount. This proactive approach will be essential for building a truly resilient, inclusive, and thriving digital ecosystem that benefits all Namibians, ensuring the country’s progress in the age of artificial intelligence.