Artificial intelligence (AI) could increase the size of Namibia’s economy by N$3.58 billion (US$219 million) after ten years, although high youth unemployment, limited electricity access and inadequate digital infrastructure could restrict the country’s ability to benefit from the technology, according to a new study.
The 2026 Commonwealth Youth Aillustrative estimates of potential economic gains rather than guaranteed outcomes or annual increases.
The study identifies unemployment among young Namibians as a major challenge, estimating that 47% of young people in the labour force are unemployed, the second-highest rate among the 56 Commonwealth couI Readiness Index, released by the Ayre Think Tank on Thursday, ranks Namibia 36th out of 56 Commonwealth countries, with a score of 42.7 out of 100, below the study’s readiness benchmark of 53.
The report, launched during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda, estimates that AI could increase Namibia’s gross domestic product (GDP) by between N$1.73 billion (US$106 million) and N$5.43 billion (US$332 million) after ten years, depending on the extent of AI adoption.
Under its moderate scenario, researchers estimate a N$3.58 billion increase in the level of GDP after a decade. The projections are
ntries assessed.
Namibia has approximately 800,000 young people aged between 15 and 29, a population the researchers say could benefit from AI-related employment, entrepreneurship and skills development opportunities.
However, the report found that inadequate infrastructure remains a significant barrier to digital participation.
According to the study, electricity reaches only 59.3% of Namibia’s population, while slow fixed broadband speeds and frequent internet disruptions experienced by businesses further limit access to digital technologies.
Despite relatively widespread mobile-phone ownership and internet use, the researchers warned that unreliable connectivity and limited access to electricity could prevent young Namibians from fully participating in the AI-driven economy.
The Index also gave Namibia a score of just 3.1 out of 10 for decent work, enterprise and transitions, highlighting weaknesses in the country’s ability to translate technological opportunities into employment and business development.
The report further identified gaps in digital education and skills development, noting that computing was not recorded as implemented under its curriculum assessment.
Researchers also found insufficient comparable evidence to assess young Namibians’ digital and AI capabilities, although they cautioned that this did not necessarily mean such skills were absent.
Ayre Think Tank founder Calvin Ayre said governments needed to ensure that young people were equipped with the skills and opportunities required to benefit from emerging technologies.
“AI is going to change how we work, how we do business and how wealth is created. But this is not a race that only the biggest or richest countries can win,” Ayre said.
“What matters is giving young people the skills and the chance to get ahead – whether to start businesses, find jobs or build something for themselves.”
The report acknowledged steps taken by Namibia to strengthen its AI capabilities, including the launch of the National Artificial Intelligence Institute in September 2026.
The institute is intended to support research, develop locally relevant technologies and provide practical training opportunities for young Namibians.
Earlier in 2026, more than 1,100 students, lecturers and staff at the Namibia University of Science and Technology participated in an AI training programme delivered through MIT Open Learning.
However, the researchers said further investment in electricity infrastructure, reliable internet connectivity and practical digital skills would be necessary to improve Namibia’s readiness for AI adoption.
The study also called for stronger links between education, training and employment to ensure that young people can use emerging technologies to establish businesses and secure jobs.
Other priorities identified include developing AI tools suited to local languages and needs, improving access to affordable technology and strengthening safeguards that allow young people to question automated decisions.
University of the West Indies Pro Vice-Chancellor and Five Islands Campus Principal Professor C. Justin Robinson said developing countries needed to ensure that young people were not limited to consuming AI technologies developed elsewhere.
