The Bank of Namibia has received international recognition for its artificial intelligence programme after winning the Artificial Intelligence Initiative Award at the 2026 Central Banking Awards in London.
The award highlights the growing role of AI and machine learning within Namibia’s financial sector, with the central bank deploying advanced technologies to improve economic forecasting, banking sector supervision and regulatory processes.
Among the AI-powered solutions recognised was a predictive model designed to identify potential risks in the banking sector by analysing trends in non-performing loans. The system provides early warning indicators that can assist regulators in monitoring financial stability and responding to emerging risks.
The Bank was also recognised for developing an inflation nowcasting platform that uses data analytics and machine learning techniques to generate near real-time inflation estimates, providing policymakers with faster insights than traditional reporting methods.
A third innovation, the Regulatory Navigation Tool, uses digital technologies to improve access to regulatory information, helping users locate and interpret regulatory requirements more efficiently.
The award was accepted by Valeria Mbango, Director of Strategy, Projects and Transformation, and Olivia Haenert, Deputy Director of Digital Transformation and Innovation.
The recognition comes as central banks worldwide increasingly explore artificial intelligence applications to strengthen economic analysis, financial supervision and operational efficiency.
Beyond its internal use of AI, the Bank of Namibia has also been investing in local technology skills development through the Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Accelerator Laboratory, established in partnership with the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).
The initiative aims to support innovation in artificial intelligence and robotics while creating opportunities for students, researchers and technology entrepreneurs to develop locally relevant solutions.
As part of the awards programme, Mbango joined global central banking leaders in a discussion on the use of artificial intelligence within monetary authorities. The panel examined how AI is transforming economic research, forecasting, payments oversight, market surveillance and financial regulation, while stressing the importance of governance frameworks and human oversight.
The award places the Bank of Namibia among a growing group of central banks adopting advanced technologies to modernise financial sector oversight and improve data-driven decision-making.
