Monika Amunyela
Andreas Elifas, a senior creative at Jumper Namibia, has launched an AI videography course aimed at equipping young Namibians with globally relevant skills. Although based in Windhoek the training is available to anyone despite where they are located.
With more than a decade of experience in filmmaking Elifas saw how traditional training excluded many aspiring creators. “Traditional filmmaking training was often limited by high barriers to entry, students needed access to locations, cameras, lighting, and sound gear,” he said emphasising that today all you need is a computer, a software and internet to create cinematic content. This motivated him to begin teaching in November last year, starting with graphic design before expanding into AI video creation.
Elifas envisions AI as the beginning of an even bigger creative economy in Namibia. He believes young people can use these tools to collaborate across industries such as fashion, music, gaming, and literature. “We believe the future of the Namibian creative economy lies in cross industry collaboration, if we build the right ecosystem, Namibia can be the next global hub for creative trade,” he said.
Elifas aims for the training to be accessible to all individuals, regardless of who they are or where they come from, by making sure that the training is affordable. During its pilot phase, the full training is offered at N$1,500, with flexible payment options.
Elifas argues that learning AI early is important, because the world is slowing evolving towards AI powered systems and global industries are being reshaped in real time. He further cements his point stating that most AI tools currently export subscription revenue abroad. “It is time for Africa to build its own infrastructure so that wealth circulates within our own borders,” he said.
While AI makes production faster, Elifas cautions that fundamentals still matter, stressing the importance of strong storytelling and collaboration between the human mind and AI software. This shapes the training, which blends technology with core filmmaking principles. “AI production speeds up the process, cuts cost, simplifies logistics, but it’s not a magic wand,” he said.
