Victoria Immanuel
ONGWEDIVA – The government will soon introduce a policy to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by civil servants and government institutions.
Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus announced this at the ongoing 9th National ICT Summit in Ongwediva.
“On the use of AI in government, I am happy to report that OPM and MICT have been directed by Cabinet to develop an internal policy that guides civil servants on how to use AI in public service and all the guardrails that come with it,” Theofelus said.
The policy is expected to provide guidelines on how AI tools should be used within government institutions, including safeguards to promote responsible use of the technology.
It comes as AI tools become increasingly available to the public and organisations, raising questions about data protection, privacy, and the handling of sensitive information.
The policy is also expected to guide civil servants on the responsible use of AI while carrying out their duties.
Dr Mbangula Lameck Amugongo, a Namibian technology researcher and AI expert, raised concerns about the safety of personal information when AI systems are used without clear safeguards.
He said there should be clarity on who can access personal information entered into AI systems, particularly when government institutions handle sensitive data.
“It is not safe for the government to use personal information in AI systems without knowing who can access that information,” Amugongo said.
Martin Kashupi, who runs PST betting shops, said AI could help businesses improve their services and save time, but stressed that customer information must be protected.
He said businesses also need to understand how AI tools work and how to use them responsibly.
“AI can help businesses improve their services and save time, but there must be proper measures to protect customers’ personal information. People need to know how their information is being used and who has access to it,” Kashupi said.
Ruusa Shilongo, who owns a printing shop in Oshakati, said AI could help
small businesses with designing, marketing and completing work more
efficiently.
She said business owners would benefit from training to understand how to use AI tools effectively and responsibly.
“AI can make work easier for small businesses like mine, especially when it comes to designing, marketing and serving customers. However, business owners need training to understand how to use these tools properly and responsibly,” Shilongo said.
Theofelus said digital transformation could also improve government
operations, reduce administrative
burdens, and make public services more accessible.
She added that cybersecurity, data protection and responsible management of information must remain central as
}Namibia advances its digital transformation.
“Our young people also have a role to play in this transformation. Their creativity, technical knowledge and understanding of emerging technologies can help Government and other institutions identify new solutions to longstanding challenges,” Theofelus said.
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