Standard Bank Namibia is stepping up its focus on artificial intelligence as it looks to use emerging technologies to improve digital banking, expand financial inclusion and develop solutions tailored to the Namibian and wider African markets.
The bank sees AI as an increasingly important part of its technology strategy, with potential applications ranging from improving access to financial services to generating insights that could support businesses and economic development.
Standard Bank Namibia Chief Technology Officer Allvan Farmer said the bank wants to be at the forefront of AI adoption and the development of technology designed around African challenges.
“The bank wants to be at the forefront of shaping how artificial intelligence can drive growth and development across Africa. Artificial intelligence gives us an opportunity to solve uniquely African problems with uniquely African solutions,” Farmer said.
He said Africa’s experience with mobile technology and its role in expanding financial inclusion provides a model for how AI could be deployed to address local challenges.
“Just as Africa pioneered new approaches to financial inclusion through mobile technology, we believe AI can help address some of Namibia’s most important challenges, from expanding access to financial services to unlocking new insights in areas such as healthcare, economic development and business growth,” he said.
The push comes as banks increasingly rely on digital platforms and emerging technologies to deliver services and respond to changing customer expectations.
For Standard Bank Namibia, developing the human skills needed to support greater technology adoption is also becoming part of its digital strategy.
The bank recently brought together women from its technology and digital teams for an engagement focused on technology careers, innovation, leadership and professional development.
Farmer said the development and adoption of AI would require a broader pool of technology skills and greater diversity among the people designing and implementing new systems.
“To realise this potential, we need diverse voices, perspectives and skills contributing to the development of these technologies. Creating opportunities for women to grow and lead in technology is not only about representation, but about driving better innovation and building solutions that positively impact our clients, communities and economy,” he said.
The programme brought together technology professionals and industry leaders to discuss emerging technologies, career development and barriers facing women in technology-related fields.
Standard Bank Namibia Business Analyst Natasha du Plessis said bringing together women working across different areas of technology created an opportunity to exchange experiences and build professional networks.
“While our roles, backgrounds and responsibilities may differ, we are united by a shared passion for technology, innovation and progress. Being surrounded by so many talented women in technology was both inspiring and empowering, and served as a powerful reminder of the significant impact women continue to make across the industry,” she said.
Standard Bank Namibia said it plans to continue investing in local technology talent as it expands its adoption of AI and other digital technologies across its banking operations.
