Namibia takes lead on ethical AI

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.

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Published on 3 July 2025

Written by Jackie Opara