Namibia Presents Comprehensive AI Preparedness Evaluation Report
Namibia Unveils Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment Report
Namibia has taken a significant step towards leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for its development by unveiling its Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment Report. The report, produced by the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) in collaboration with UNESCO, evaluates Namibia's preparedness across various dimensions and offers recommendations to position the country as a leader in ethical, inclusive AI in Africa.
The report underscores the urgency for a formal AI regulatory framework and greater public awareness. It aligns with global best practices, including the African Union's Continental AI Strategy, the Windhoek Statement on AI in Southern Africa, and UNESCO's Recommendation on the Ethics of AI.
Namibia currently lacks a dedicated AI policy. The report calls for the urgent development of a national AI strategy to coordinate and govern AI responsibly. A key recommendation is the establishment of transparent and accountable AI systems by creating a dedicated national AI strategy and regulatory framework.
Strengthening data privacy and protection is fundamental to transparent AI use. The report emphasizes the need for robust data protection laws to safeguard personal information and build trust. To mitigate algorithmic bias, the report highlights the importance of inclusive policy-making, multi-stakeholder advisory councils, and developing AI education and research capacity that addresses ethical considerations.
The report also points out the challenges Namibia faces in AI development, including the lack of binding AI laws and limited domestic AI expertise. However, the proposed National Responsible AI Institute, AI-focused degree programs, and high-performance computing centers show strong institutional momentum in AI development.
The report positions Namibia to harness AI's transformative potential in various sectors, including agriculture, water, energy, health, education, climate change, and security. The AI assessment emphasizes the potential benefits of AI in these sectors, underscoring the need for a balanced approach that considers both opportunities and risks.
The Government of Japan supported the production of the report, and Namibia has incorporated AI priorities into national plans such as the draft National Development Plan 6 and the Harambee Prosperity Plan II. The report calls for moving from assessment to implementation, ensuring AI is used for public good, innovation, and equitable growth.
In conclusion, the Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment Report serves as a roadmap for Namibia, guiding the country towards ethical, inclusive, and sustainable AI development. By addressing the identified challenges and implementing the recommendations, Namibia can position itself as a leader in AI in Africa, leveraging AI for its development while mitigating risks like bias and security challenges in AI systems.
[1] National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST). (2022). Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment Report. Windhoek, Namibia. [3] African Union. (2020). African Union's Continental AI Strategy for the Development of Artificial Intelligence in Africa. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. [4] UNESCO. (2019). Recommendation concerning the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. Paris, France.
- To ensure safeguards in technology use, the report recommends the creation of a national AI regulatory framework that adheres to African Union's Continental AI Strategy, UNESCO's Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, and local data protection laws.
- As Namibia moves towards implementing its AI strategies, it will leverage artificial-intelligence's potential in various sectors, such as education, climate change, and security, while mitigating risks like bias and security challenges.
- Strengthening infrastructure for both education and research capacity is crucial for developing artificial-intelligence expertise, which can contribute to Namibia's goals of ethical, inclusive AI development in alignment with global best practices.
