The Bank of Namibia has won the Artificial Intelligence Initiative Award at the Central Banking Awards, recognising its use of artificial intelligence and machine learning across key operations.
The award honours central banks and regulators that have deployed AI in areas such as forecasting, regulatory reporting and financial supervision.
The Bank was recognised for several systems, including a machine learning model that predicts non-performing loans, an inflation nowcasting tool that provides near real-time data for policy decisions, and an AI-powered regulatory platform designed to improve access to financial sector information.
The tools form part of the Bank’s move towards data-driven operations, with a focus on improving oversight, efficiency and decision-making.
Governor Ebson Uanguta said the award reflects the Bank’s approach to using technology to strengthen the financial system.
“We are deeply honoured to be named the winner of Central Banking’s Artificial Intelligence Initiative Award. We view this as a milestone in our journey to build a data-driven, forward-looking central bank,” he said.
The Bank has also supported the development of Namibia’s wider AI ecosystem through its partnership with the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).
This includes the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Accelerator (AIRA) laboratory, which focuses on building skills in robotics, natural language processing, computer vision and AI cybersecurity.
The award will be presented at the Central Banking Awards ceremony in June 2026.
The recognition places the Bank of Namibia among a growing number of central banks globally adopting AI to modernise operations and improve financial system oversight
