Namibia has experienced a rising interest in data science and analytics, driven by the increasing availability of data and the recognition of its value in decision-making.
To meet this demand, the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and the University of Namibia (UNAM) have taken proactive measures to equip students with relevant skills.
NUST has introduced an MSc. in Data Science program, covering topics such as machine learning and data visualization, aiming to produce highly trained professionals who can derive insights from complex datasets.
Mathematics and Statistics play a crucial role in data science, and both universities ensure rigorous mathematical coursework in their degree programs.
The integration of ChatGPT, a powerful language model developed by OpenAI, has significantly impacted the work of data professionals in Namibia.
ChatGPT’s language generation and understanding capabilities have facilitated data pre-processing, exploratory data analysis, and model interpretation, accelerating data analysis and decision-making.
 In addition, ChatGPT has proved valuable in natural language processing tasks, enabling the extraction of information from unstructured text data for sentiment analysis and uncovering patterns.
NUST, UNAM, and other academic institutions are at the forefront of equipping students with the necessary knowledge and skills in data science, including the integration of advanced tools like ChatGPT.
The future of data science and analytics in Namibia looks promising, as the demand for skilled data professionals continues to grow.
With a solid foundation in mathematics, statistical analysis, programming, and the integration of advanced tools, such as ChatGPT, data specialists should be armed to tackle complex challenges and drive innovation in the field.
*Fredy Embashu is a Data Analyst at Cirrus Capital
