Nam technologist advises turning AI into jobs

**Victoria Immanuel **

ONGWEDIVA – Namibian technologist, researcher and artificial intelligence (AI) expert Dr Mbangula Lameck Amugongo said Namibia must move beyond discussing digital transformation and start using information and communication technology (ICT) and AI to create jobs, reduce poverty and drive inclusive economic growth.

Speaking at the 9th National ICT Summit, which runs from 12 to 16 October, Amugongo said Namibia must find practical ways to connect education, digital skills, employment and entrepreneurship to address youth unemployment.

Figures presented at the summit show that global AI spending is forecast to reach US$2.52 trillion (around N$41.77 trillion) in 2026, representing a 44% increase year-on-year.

The presentation cited a record US$225.8 billion (around N$3.74 trillion) in global AI investment in 2025, according to the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence’s AI Index 2025.

It also cited the Stanford AI Index 2026, which reported that 88% of organisations worldwide used AI in at least one business function. The presentation further highlighted the growing reach of AI-powered tools, including ChatGPT, which was reported to have 900 million weekly users.

“Behind every unemployment statistic is a young Namibian seeking an opportunity to build a future. We need practical pathways connecting education, digital skills, employment and entrepreneurship. The question is whether ICT can accelerate those pathways,” he said.

Amugongo said Namibia faces the challenge of unemployment at a time when AI is advancing rapidly and changing how people work and how businesses operate.

“This is the wave Namibia must ride. We cannot afford to be left behind while the rest of the world is investing in AI and developing new technologies,” he said.

He acknowledged that AI could automate some tasks and change existing jobs but stressed that it could also create new occupations, services and business opportunities if young people were equipped with the necessary skills.

He said Namibia should prepare its workforce to adapt to technological changes rather than view AI only as a threat to employment.

“Our priority should be to prepare young people to work with AI rather than fear it. While some jobs will change, new opportunities will also emerge for those with the right skills,” he said.

Amugongo called for stronger investment in digital literacy, coding, data science, AI and problem-solving skills across schools, vocational training institutions and universities.

He said continuous learning was essential because technology was evolving rapidly, making it necessary for workers to keep upgrading their skills to remain relevant in the changing job market.

“Namibia must strengthen digital and AI skills at every level of education. We need young people who can understand technology, develop solutions and use these tools to create employment opportunities for themselves and others,” he said.

He further called for AI and ICT to be applied to local challenges in agriculture, healthcare, education, financial inclusion and public services, particularly in communities with limited access to essential services.

He said digital solutions must also reflect Namibia’s linguistic and cultural diversity and address the digital divide between urban and rural communities.

“We should use AI and ICT to solve Namibian problems. Our solutions must respond to the realities of our people, including rural access, language diversity and the challenges facing key sectors of our economy,” he said.

Amugongo also urged Namibia to move beyond consuming imported technologies and invest in home-grown innovation by supporting youth-led startups and expanding innovation hubs beyond Windhoek.

He said this would give young people more opportunities to develop local solutions, create businesses and compete in the global digital economy.

“Namibia must move from being primarily a consumer of imported technologies to developing its own solutions. We must invest in local talent and create an environment where young innovators can turn their ideas into businesses,” he said.

Amugongo called for stronger collaboration between government, academic institutions and industry to ensure that digital transformation translates into measurable results.

He said Namibia needed investment in digital infrastructure, skills development and clear implementation plans aligned with national development priorities.

“We have enough reports and strategies. It is time to implement it. Namibia’s digital future must be built in our classrooms, laboratories, businesses and communities, ensuring that every young person has a fair opportunity to participate in and benefit from the digital economy,” he said. –[email protected]

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