The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has announced plans to develop national guidelines to promote the responsible adoption and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies in the country.
According to Josephine Shigwedha, CRAN’s Executive for Regulatory and Corporate Legal Services, the initiative forms part of the regulator’s broader strategy to establish a framework that ensures emerging technologies are implemented ethically and effectively.
The guidelines according to Shigwedha, will set out best practices for responsible AI use, with a focus on governance, transparency and accountability.
“Currently, as part of our strategy, we are in the process of drafting and developing guidelines that address the adoption of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI),” Shigwedha said.
“Our aim is for these guidelines to establish a framework for the responsible use and integration of AI and other emerging technologies in Namibia.”
She added that CRAN is also preparing to introduce a regulatory sandbox , a controlled environment in which innovative technologies can be tested before full-scale implementation.
The sandbox will allow CRAN to assess potential risks, benefits and compliance issues associated with new technologies, ensuring they align with Namibia’s legal and regulatory standards.
Shigwedha said that once the framework becomes fully operational, it will equip Namibia with the tools needed to manage the rapid evolution of AI and digital innovation, enabling the country to harness technology for socio-economic growth while safeguarding public interests.
“Once the project is fully launched and operational, we expect to have the essential tools and structures in place to support responsible innovation and regulatory oversight,” she said.
