Namibia’s future of work lies in innovation and ICT

OPINION
Kehad Snydewel
  • 12 Hours Ago
Recently, Bank of Namibia governor Johannes !Gawaxab stated: “Some jobs will inevitably vanish as automation and digital technologies advance.”



Clerical roles such as data capturers, personal assistants and bank tellers are already being replaced by machines. To the uninitiated, this may sound alarming, but there is always an ebb and flow of jobs, careers and opportunities as nascent industries and technologies are embraced and become mainstream.



There are plentiful opportunities within the realms of information and communication technology (ICT) and artificial intelligence (AI), not in other countries or years from now, but right here and now in Namibia.

Globally, industries are being reshaped by digital transformation. From banking to agriculture, companies are using AI to analyse data, automate processes and improve decision-making. Namibia must not lag behind. The country’s young population, if equipped with the right ICT skills, could become a competitive force in Africa’s digital economy.



Future-ready



!Gawaxab’s framework of jobs in immediate demand, jobs for the emerging economy, and jobs becoming obsolete is practical. Namibia must be future-ready. Yet the real growth engine lies in the second category: the emerging economy. Data analysts, cybersecurity specialists, software developers, and AI engineers are not just “future jobs”; they are in demand right now.





1. Economic diversification: Namibia has long relied on mining and agriculture. ICT and AI can diversify the economy by creating new industries in fintech, e-commerce, and digital services. Even existing sectors are embracing everything from drone technology to AI to optimise workflows, monitor activities, and more.



2. Youth employment: With Namibia’s high youth unemployment, digital skills training can unlock opportunities in global remote work markets. A Namibian coder or AI specialist can serve clients anywhere in the world—not just working from home, but working from Namibia.



3. Public services: AI can improve healthcare through predictive diagnostics, enhance education with personalised learning platforms, and streamline government services.



4. Regional leadership: By investing early, Namibia could position itself as a Southern African hub for AI innovation, attracting investment and talent.





Challenge



Namibia faces a challenge: a pool of over 600 000 under-skilled citizens. Traditional retraining will not suffice. Instead, the country must build accessible, modular pathways into ICT and AI careers.



Digital transformation requires a multi-pronged approach that expands access to skills and innovation. Affordable online courses in coding, data science, and AI, delivered through partnerships with global platforms such as Coursera, edX, and African-led initiatives, can democratise world-class learning.



At the same time, vocational training must evolve to include ICT-focused programmes that produce the technicians, network engineers, and developers essential to the digital economy. Namibia’s universities and polytechnics should establish AI research hubs where students can explore machine learning, robotics, and data analytics.



Partnerships critical



Strong public-private partnerships are critical to scaling these efforts and ensuring Namibia builds a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready digital ecosystem. Not every Namibian will find employment in established companies. AI also creates opportunities for entrepreneurship. Start-ups can develop apps for local markets, AI tools for agriculture, or digital platforms for tourism.



With access to microfinance and mentorship, young innovators can transform ideas into viable businesses that create jobs. Local challenges require local solutions, and this is where Namibians can shine.



Preparation for the future of work is not just about technical training; it is about mindset. ICT and AI must be seen as tools for empowerment. Schools should introduce coding and digital literacy from an early age, ensuring the next generation grows up fluent in the language of technology.



Yes, as the governor said, automation will make some jobs obsolete, but it will also create entirely new ones. The future of work is digital. If Namibia acts boldly now, it will not just survive the coming disruption, it will lead it.



*Kehad Snydewel is the MD of Green Enterprise Solutions.