Namibia is developing rules to govern how artificial intelligence is used across the public service as government accelerates the adoption of digital technologies while confronting growing concerns around data protection, cybersecurity and responsible AI use.
Cabinet has directed the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) and the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) to develop an internal AI policy setting guidelines and guardrails for civil servants.
Information and Communication Technology Minister Emma Theofelus announced the directive during the official opening of the ninth National ICT Summit in Ongwediva on Tuesday.
“And on the use of AI in government, I am happy to report that OPM and MICT have been directed by Cabinet to develop an internal policy that guides civil servants on how to use AI in the public service and all the guardrails that come with it,” Theofelus said.
The move signals government’s push to establish governance frameworks around emerging technologies as AI tools increasingly become capable of supporting administrative work, data analysis and digital service delivery.
Theofelus said AI forms part of a broader technology shift that includes cloud computing, automation and data analytics, but warned that digitising government requires secure and interconnected systems.
“However, meaningful digital government requires more than placing existing forms and processes online. It requires systems that can work together, secure information exchange and services designed around the needs of the people who use them,” she said.
The planned AI policy comes as Namibia simultaneously advances digital identification and electronic transactions through the DigiNam initiative.
“Initiatives such as DigiNam contribute to this objective by supporting trusted electronic interactions and the use of secure digital identification and signatures,” Theofelus said.
“As we continue to advance digital government, interoperability, cybersecurity, data protection and responsible management of information must remain central considerations.”
The development of AI guardrails could become increasingly important as government institutions adopt generative AI and other automated technologies that can process information and assist employees in carrying out administrative functions.
Theofelus said Namibia’s wider digital transformation also requires investment in broadband infrastructure and improved connectivity, particularly in underserved communities.
Government is also targeting digital skills development to enable young Namibians to participate in emerging areas of the technology economy.
“Our young people also have a role to play in this transformation. Their creativity, technical knowledge and understanding of emerging technologies can help,” she said.
The government wants increased digital adoption to translate into improved public services, business development and employment opportunities as Namibia builds out its digital economy.
