National AI Institute launched
Namibia has officially launched its National Artificial Intelligence Institute in Windhoek, aiming to boost AI research, local innovation, youth skills development, and digital public service transformation. The institute is part of Namibia's broader digital transformation agenda and seeks to develop national AI capabilities tailored to local circumstances and priorities like water, energy, and health.
Why it matters
This initiative signifies a strategic move by a developing nation to harness AI for its specific challenges and economic growth, potentially setting a precedent for other African countries and fostering local tech ecosystems. It highlights a global trend of nations investing in AI infrastructure and talent to avoid being mere consumers of foreign technology.
Namibia has officially launched the National Artificial Intelligence Institute to boost research, local innovation, youth skills development, and digital public service transformation.
Minister of information and communication technology Emma Theofelus officially launched the institute in Windhoek on Wednesday.
She said the institute forms part of Namibia’s broader digital transformation agenda.
“The institute creates a dedicated national platform through which capabilities can be developed around artificial intelligence, data, innovation and practical applications,” she said.
The institute comprises a software development centre, datasets centre, artificial intelligence (AI) innovation centre, and research and development centre.
National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) chief executive Anicia Peters at the launch said Namibia could not afford to remain merely a consumer of AI developed elsewhere.
“We must develop the national capabilities to understand AI, adapt it to our circumstances and increasingly develop our own solutions,” she said.
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