Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used as a tool to increase productivity and efficiency, particularly in Namibia where State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and public service in general are perceived as both inefficient and unproductive. This is according to Telecom Namibia CEO, Stanley Shanapinda, who believes AI-based systems can help turn around the perceived poor performance of the public sector.
Over the years, SOEs have been criticised for apparent roles in corruption, nepotism, mismanagement of public funds and abuse of power.
Speaking on the future of the AI landscape in Namibia, Shanapinda added there is real fear in Namibian employees that foreign and imported AI based solutions will risk local jobs.
“We must first invest in workers and their skills, bringing to bear the full weight of modern teaching methods and training technology, as well as new institutions, to help them drive the jobs of the future,” the Telecom CEO advised yesterday during a stakeholder engagement. The event at a local hotel specifically focussed on the implementation of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) recommendations on the ethics of AI.
The advent of AI is fast transforming the world and the future of humanity. Rapid technological advancements are key drivers of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. These technologies are blurring traditional boundaries of the physical, digital and biological worlds, impacting all disciplines, economies and industries, and even challenging ideas about what it means to be human.
Together with Unesco, Namibia took the lead to host the Southern Africa Regional Forum on Artificial Intelligence (SARFAI) last year. Following SARFAI, Unesco, in conjunction with the Namibian government, is striving to implement the recommendations on the ethics of AI and to embark on the development of a national AI strategy for Namibia.
Meanwhile, Shanapinda advised that Namibia must improve employment systems, including laws that protect and support employees and the jobs they are trained to do. “And, there is a need to continue innovating, both in the institutional structures of local labour markets and in the technologies and new industries that create new jobs,” said Shanapinda.
According to him, there is a difficult balance to be struck between incentivising AI deployment versus ensuring job security, particularly due to a lack of skills to develop AI-based solutions and the skills to use AI-based systems.
“This is so given the threat of losing our jobs to machines, which machines will be deployed to make companies more efficient, profitable and increase national economic output which is clearly a benefit. However, mass AI deployment may not necessarily translate into new jobs, especially for the youth, if the youth or existing employees are not trained in AI, to develop AI-systems that are Namibian-centric,” Shanapinda cautioned.
Furthermore, he noted that AI-based systems will make workers more productive if deployed, and if there is a huge rate of adoption and use thereof. This, he said, will have significant economic gains and achieve business efficiencies, and profitability. As a CEO, for business, he added this is a game changer which is good for business.
Moreover, CEO of the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology, Prof Anicia Peters said while there are a lot of good things about AI applications, there is also a risk if AI is not properly utilised. One of the risks is that AI can infringe on human rights.
While AI has the potential to transform many aspects of our lives, it is important to ensure that its development and deployment are guided by respect for human rights.
“One of the most significant concerns related to AI and human rights is the right to privacy. AI has the ability to collect, analyse and use vast amounts of personal data, which can lead to the violation of privacy. For example, facial recognition technology has been used in some countries to track and monitor individuals, raising concerns about government surveillance and the infringement of privacy rights,” Peters pointed out.
Therefore, she advised that Namibia needs to ensure that while AI can be a good scientific development, it must be monitored to ensure it is correctly used.
Christophina Shilongo, a national AI expert, said the right set of circumstances will lead to increased economic welfare gains from the expansion of big tech through the fair distribution of employment and business opportunities.
She said AI will further lead to digital policy initiatives which support inclusive and trustworthy access to digital technologies and services, including broadband connectivity.
“Prioritise enactment of rights-based data protection legislation in all jurisdictions. Ensure those harmed by the use of AI technologies are able to pursue legal action or have access to a fair trial of wronged through the use of data or an AI system. Develop partnership frameworks such as data sharing agreements or key professions and industries,” said Shilongo as part of her AI recommendations for Namibia.