Namibia must accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) to drive productivity, skills development and long-term economic growth, the Economic Association of Namibia (EAN) has said.
The call follows a public lecture, where policymakers, industry players and technology experts examined how AI can be leveraged to address key national challenges.
EAN Chairperson Jason Kasuto said the country faces a strategic choice in how it responds to rapid technological change.
“We are witnessing an unprecedented pace of innovation. Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept. It is the defining tool of our current decade. The question for Namibia is whether we will be the architects of that change or merely its observers,” he said.
Kasuto emphasised that economic growth must be anchored in skills development, with AI offering the potential to improve productivity across sectors including agriculture, mining, energy and healthcare.
“We don’t just want growth, we want smart growth. We want a future where Namibian talent is aligned with global innovation and where our workforce is equipped with 21st-century skills,” he said.
Technology expert and former Microsoft executive Chandan Chauhan said global investment in AI is accelerating at scale, with spending expected to exceed US$2 trillion, presenting both risks and opportunities for African economies.
“AI is no longer just a tool. It is becoming an autonomous teammate that can reason, act and execute work,” he said.
Chauhan added that the technology could unlock significant economic value across the continent if the right capabilities are developed.
“AI represents a trillion-dollar opportunity for Africa, with the potential to drive growth, create jobs and transform industries. However, this will depend entirely on building the right capabilities,” he said.
He noted that Namibia is relatively well positioned to benefit from the transition, citing its infrastructure and macroeconomic stability, but warned that timing will be critical.
“This is not just a technology race, it is a timing advantage. Early movers will define the standards,” Chauhan said.
Discussions at the lecture also highlighted the growing importance of skills such as critical thinking, creativity and adaptability in an AI-driven economy, alongside the continued relevance of human capabilities such as empathy.
EAN said the engagement forms part of its broader efforts to stimulate informed dialogue on emerging economic trends and ensure Namibia is prepared to harness new technologies for national development.
