Namibia ranks in ninth position among African countries most prepared for the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in 2024, a recent report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) says.
The ranking on the AI Preparedness Index (AIPI) suggests Namibia has made strides in developing the infrastructure and environment necessary to leverage AI technologies. The AIPI evaluates countries based on four critical factors–digital infrastructure, human capital, technological innovation and legal frameworks.
These elements are considered crucial for the successful integration of AI into various sectors of the economy.
According to the report, Namibia scores 0.08 in digital infrastructure, 0.01 in innovation and economic integration, 0.12 in human capital and labor market policies, and 0.12 in regulation and ethics.
“These four dimensions are likely relevant for smooth AI adoption. In turn, each dimension is computed by normalising and averaging a rich set of sub-indicators including, but not limited to, the presence of relevant digital infrastructure, sustained human capital investment, inclusive STEM expertise, labour and capital mobility, a vibrant R&D ecosystem, and the adaptability of legal frameworks to digital business models,” the report says.
The report further says Namibia and Botswana round out the top 10, tied for ninth place with an identical score of 0.417.
Morocco and Ghana are closely matched in AI readiness, occupying the seventh and eighth spots respectively, both scoring 0.428.
Rwanda demonstrates rapid progress by securing fifth place with a score of 0.449, edging out Cabo Verde in sixth place with a score of 0.438.
South Africa holds the third position, scoring 0.491, slightly ahead of Tunisia in fourth place with a score of 0.479.
Seychelles outpaces the continent in AI preparedness with a score of 0.531, significantly ahead of Mauritius which secured second place with a score of 0.521.
The AIPI index relies on a combination of objective data and subjective assessments, making it a valuable tool for policymakers to identify areas for improvement rather than a definitive ranking system.
