ONGWEDIVA – Local content on Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) television has surged to 68%, far exceeding the national broadcaster’s internal target of 30%.
Speaking at the National ICT Summit in Ongwediva, NBC Radio Service Administration Manager Nsinde Limbo said the corporation’s radio stations reached an even higher
milestone, recording over 97% local content.
Limbo stated that these figures reflect an aggressive corporate strategy to empower local creative industries and bridge the digital divide by broadcasting educational, youth, and tech-focused programming in indigenous languages.
“NBC is tailoring its content and programming to address everyday challenges facing Namibians, particularly unemployment and poverty, while adapting to emerging digital trends,” she said.
The broadcaster uses programmes such as Legends of Change, Tupopyeni and She Means Business, together with documentaries and youth-focused radio shows, to share practical information on entrepreneurship, employment, financial literacy, farming and digital skills.
She said that NBC was also developing content explaining emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and digital literacy, in local languages to ensure that communities are not excluded from the digital economy.
“Expanding digital content in indigenous languages would help preserve Namibia’s cultural heritage and traditional knowledge while making information accessible to audiences beyond English speakers,” she said.
She added that NBC was working with independent producers, presenters and artists through its Drama School and Commissioning Departments, thereby creating opportunities for local talent and supporting employment in the creative industries.
On misinformation, Limbo said that the growing use of AI posed challenges to public trust, making credible and verified reporting increasingly important.
She urged journalists to use AI responsibly as a tool to support their work rather than relying on it to write entire news stories, emphasising the importance of human intervention in journalism.
Limbo said that NBC was finalising an internal AI policy to guide the responsible use of the technology, covering editorial oversight, transparency and the protection of confidential information.
“All AI-assisted content must go through all gatekeeping processes before broadcast or publication,” she said.
Meanwhile, as part of its digital broadcasting strategy, NBC plans to distribute 150 000 digital set-top boxes over three years, targeting 50 000 per year.
The corporation is also expanding its regional representation from seven to 14 regions and upgrading its radio broadcasting systems to improve connectivity across its 11 stations.
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