The Namibian government has officially launched the National Artificial Intelligence Institute in Windhoek, aiming to enhance research, local innovation, youth skills development, and digital public service transformation. Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus inaugurated the institute, emphasizing its role in the country's broader digital transformation agenda. The institute is expected to create a dedicated national platform for developing artificial intelligence, data, innovation, and practical applications.
The National AI Institute comprises several key components, including a software development centre, datasets centre, artificial intelligence innovation centre, and research and development centre. According to Anicia Peters, Chief Executive of the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology, Namibia cannot afford to remain merely a consumer of AI developed elsewhere. The institute will bring together government, academia, industry, and stakeholders to strengthen national AI capabilities.
The development of the National AI Strategy involved 215 local AI experts and stakeholders, with support from international organizations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, the United Nations Development Programme, and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung. Peters stated that the strategy has reached the synthesis and national validation stage and will soon be considered by the minister and submitted to the Cabinet.
The institute will focus on AI research linked to national priorities such as water, energy, food security, health, and education. Additionally, it will support the development of AI-enabled applications, particularly for e-government and public services. The institute aims to provide young Namibians with opportunities to gain practical experience by working on national development challenges.
A key aspect of the institute's work will be developing and managing quality Namibian datasets, which Peters described as fundamental to developing AI systems that understand the country's context. Theofelus emphasized that citizens should experience digital transformation through services that are easier to access, more responsive, and more efficient.
The institute is expected to support the government in using technology to improve public services. Theofelus stated that Namibia needs to develop local expertise instead of relying exclusively on external sources for AI solutions. The government aims to bring public-sector challenges to the institute, work with relevant expertise, test solutions, and determine whether they can be responsibly deployed at scale.
The launch of the National AI Institute marks a significant milestone in Namibia's digital transformation journey. The institute's work will focus on building national capabilities around AI, data, innovation, and practical applications. By developing local expertise and providing opportunities for young Namibians, the institute aims to drive sustainable development and improve public services in the country.
Key points
- The National AI Institute will focus on AI research linked to national priorities such as water, energy, food security, health, and education.
- The institute will bring together government, academia, industry, and stakeholders to strengthen national AI capabilities.
- The development of the National AI Strategy involved 215 local AI experts and stakeholders.
