Strong policies needed for digital era – Theofelus… data protection, cybercrime bills near promulgation

Rudolf Gaiseb

For Namibia to thrive in a new digital era, digital transformation must not only adapt but must also build a strong, resilient framework, capable of enduring digital advancement.

This sentiment was shared on Monday by information and communication technology (ICT) minister Emma Theofelus.

Namibia is preparing to inevitably integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into various spheres and industries.

While officially opening the national ICT summit at Mercure Hotel in the capital, the minister said: “This summit is not just an event but a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to shape Namibia’s future in an increasingly digital world. In the current era, digital transformation and AI are reshaping every facet of our lives – from how we communicate and work to how we access services and interact with each other. Technology is driving change at an unprecedented pace. This transformation brings remarkable opportunities for innovation, economic growth and social advancement”.

This year’s summit, which ends today, is being held under the theme ‘Building Resilience to Adapt or Die in the Era of Digital Transformation and AI’.

The International Monetary Fund recently ranked Namibia ninth out of 54 African countries in terms of preparedness for adopting AI in 2024.

“This ranking indicates that Namibia has made significant progress in developing the infrastructure and environment necessary to leverage Al technologies, showcasing the country’s commitment to adapting to the evolving digital era,” said Theofelus.

She added: “Al is at the forefront of this digital revolution. It holds immense potential to transform industries, enhance productivity and solve complex problems. However, integrating Al into our systems and processes presents challenges, including ethical considerations, data protection and the need for regulatory frameworks”.

The minister continued that government is in the final stage of enacting the Data Protection and Cybercrime Bills while proceeding with efforts to amend and repeal the current Communications Act to encompass advancements in the technological space.

“This important legislation will protect our people’s personal information and their online presence while simultaneously safeguarding our digital infrastructure,” she stated.