SGCI News
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to shape the global landscape, Namibia is positioning itself as a continental frontrunner in building ethical, inclusive, and well-governed AI systems. A key milestone was…
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to shape the global landscape, Namibia is positioning itself as a continental frontrunner in building ethical, inclusive, and well-governed AI systems.
A key milestone was the official launch of the Namibian AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) report presented by the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST), at the 3rd UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 24 to 27 June 2025.
The report followed a UNESCO-developed framework that evaluates a nation’s capacity to implement ethical AI in line with global standards.
Namibia is among the first six countries in Southern Africa to complete this assessment, with the results now published in UNESCO’s global AI repository.
The RAM report highlights Namibia’s progress in governance, digital infrastructure, public awareness, and human rights protections in AI use.
Anicia Peters, chief executive officer of NCRST, who represented Namibia at the forum, highlighted the importance of aligning AI investments with Namibia’s national development priorities and stressed the need for inclusive, multi-stakeholder collaboration to build a sustainable AI ecosystem.
Simeon Hamukoshi, strategic projects coordinator at NCRST, who was also at the event, addressed a session titled AI for Youth, AI by Youth, where he emphasised the importance of youth participation in shaping the future of AI in Africa.
He shared lessons from Namibia’s RAM process and highlighted NCRST’s commitment to equipping young Namibians with the skills and opportunities needed to participate in the digital economy.
Namibia’s proactive approach to ethical AI is rooted in years of strategic engagement, including its co-hosting of the 2022 Southern Africa Sub-regional Forum on Artificial Intelligence with UNESCO.
These efforts reflect a broader push to strengthen digital governance, foster innovation, and prepare the country for the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
According to NCRST, UNESCO has also expressed its willingness to support Namibia with practical resources, such as improved infrastructure access for local researchers and developers, further strengthening national capacity in science and technology.
Please check out the stories and let us know what you think. We would love to hear from you.
Let’s continue the conversation on our social media.
Follow us on LinkedIn
Published on 3 July 2025
Written by Jackie Opara
Related News
Côte d’Ivoire boosts research capacity with national training drive
Côte d’Ivoire has taken a significant step towards strengthening its scientific ecosystem, following a three-day capacity-building programme aimed at elevating research standards to the global stage. Held from March 23–25 in San Pedro, the training, led by the Fund for Science, Technology and Innovation (FONSTI)…
Community biogas project reduces waste in Namibia
In Groot Aub, a semi-rural settlement on the outskirts of Windhoek, Namibia, cooking a simple meal once came at a cost of time, money, and health. Firewood smoke-filled kitchens, and households spent significant portions of their income on fuel. For many, firewood alone costs up…
Transforming research funding for gender equity in Africa
Decisions about what gets funded, who receives grants, and which questions are considered worth asking shape the very nature of knowledge. And for too long, those decisions have reflected and reinforced deep inequalities, particularly for women, who make up only 30 per cent of researchers…
Research and Resources
SGCI funded projects
Rwanda’s integrated approach to sustainable agriculture and nutrition
Project Titles & Institution Areas of Research Number of Projects being funded Project Duration Grant Amount In-Kind Distribution Council Collaboration with other councils
