Namibia Unveils First AI Readiness Assessment to Guide Ethical and Inclusive Development

Namibia Unveils First AI Readiness Assessment to Guide Ethical and Inclusive Development. Namibia has taken a decisive step in shaping its digital future with the launch of its first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Readiness Assessment Report. The milestone positions the country to advance AI adoption while prioritising ethics, human rights, and inclusive growth.

The report’s launch remarks were delivered by Hon. Dino Ballotti, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, on behalf of Minister Sanet L. Steenkamp. In her message, Minister Steenkamp underscored that AI must serve the needs of people, driving advancements in sectors such as education, agriculture, healthcare, and youth development.

She reaffirmed that Namibia’s approach to AI will be human-centred and rights-based, ensuring transparency, accountability, and equitable access to benefits. The government plans to work closely with private industry, academia, civil society, and international partners to create an AI ecosystem that supports national development priorities.

The report itself is expected to provide a baseline understanding of Namibia’s AI readiness, assessing current capabilities, policy frameworks, infrastructure, and skills availability. It will also help guide policy direction and resource allocation for AI initiatives across sectors.

Namibia also welcomed UNESCO’s proposal to establish a Regional Forum on AI Ethics, signalling the country’s intent to actively contribute to Africa’s voice in global AI governance.

“This launch is not an end, but a beginning,” Minister Steenkamp’s remarks stated. “Namibia is ready to ensure that artificial intelligence works for the many, not the few.”

The AI Readiness Assessment is anticipated to serve as both a planning tool and a catalyst for dialogue, providing a foundation for Namibia’s journey toward responsible AI integration.