Category: Industry

WINDHOEK: While Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) has great potential to revolutionise various sectors and fast – track many of Namibia ‘ s developmental plans , such a scenario is not without its challenges . This was the view of Professor Anicia Peters , the CEO of the National Commission on Research , Science and Technology ( NCRST ) during a presentation at the ongoing 8th National ICT Summit here on Monday . Peters said the emergence of AI has stirred hopes of many positive benefits and provided huge opportunities . She said the use of AI in various sectors across the country has the potential to hatch great benefits , listing food security , climate adaptation and mitigation efforts as some of the areas that could benefit from sustainable use of AI . Namibian youth – who make up more than 70 per cent of the population – stand to benefit from the advancement and roll – out of AI related programmes , as they could turn their innovation into feasible projects with AI assistance . Despite such great potential
, Peters said , AI also has unintended consequences – most of which are negative . She said the possible weaponising of AI and potential loss of indigenous knowledge coupled with the unethical and irresponsible development of AI makes it a complicated project . Also , those in the job market would need to critically upskill themselves and upscale their usability in the age of digital advancement , lest they fall behind as AI persistently makes its presence felt . ‘ I am an advocate for human – centred AI , as it is vital to still have a human element in AI . We know that AI does not necessarily need a degree , but needs skills more . This is why it is vital to improve on the skills we have in order to avoid being left behind ,’ she said . A lack of funding , limited data – or data poverty – issues around a legislative and regulatory framework for AI , and the need for specialised skills are some of the challenges in the smooth implementation of AI , Peters said . She noted that while such challenges exist , A
I nonetheless has future opportunities . ‘ AI provides great opportunities in the areas of production and manufacturing . Also , start – ups and SMEs could reap a lot of benefits in terms of future prospects ,’ Peters said . This year ‘ s summit is themed ‘ Building Resilience to ‘ Adapt or Die ‘ in the Era of Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence ( AI ).’ It ends on Wednesday

Source: The Namibia News Agency

Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development , Evelyn ! Nawases – Taeyele , has praised the Arandis Town Council for its impressive progress towards growth and innovation . Speaking at the launch of the Arandis Town Council ‘ s 2024 – 2029 Strategic Plan in Swakopmund on Friday , ! Nawases – Taeyele commended the council for achieving 80 . 8 per cent of the objectives outlined in its 2019 – 2024 Strategic Plan , despite facing challenges . ‘ The current strategic plan launch is more than a formality ; it embodies a spirit of resilience and adaptability essential for navigating the complexities of our dynamic economic landscape ,’ she said . The deputy minister also commended the town ‘ s efforts to embrace change , particularly highlighting its potential in the green hydrogen sector . ‘ Namibia is embracing change , engaging actively in international business , and projects like green hydrogen reflect the country ‘ s progress . The green hydrogen initiative , deeply valued by our late President Dr Hage Gei
ngob , and the envisaged Cleanergy Solutions Namibia ‘ s hydrogen production and solar energy plant to be hosted in the town , is a testament to Namibia ‘ s strategic vision ,’ ! Nawases – Taeyele said . The project , a 1 – Gigawatt plant , will not only create local and regional employment but also position Namibia as a global hydrogen hub , significantly contributing to the country ‘ s national GDP , the deputy minister added . ‘ Green hydrogen is no longer a distant dream ; it is a reality that demands action to address climate change and secure a sustainable future ,’ she remarked . The town ‘ s mayor , Risto Kapenda , stated that the green hydrogen sector is expected to create over 250 000 jobs nationally by 2040 . ‘ These pillars not only signify our steadfast commitment to fostering an investor – friendly environment but also underscore our unyielding resolve to facilitate sustainable development , job creation , and stimulate both the local and national economy , thereby uplifting the livelihoods of o
ur cherished community ,’ Kapenda said . Arandis Chief Executive Officer , Stanley Norris , described the launched strategic plan as a blueprint for the town ‘ s sustainable growth . ‘ Our vision is to leverage our land as a critical factor of production ,’ he said , noting that the plan aligns with the fifth National Development Plan and focuses on economic advancement through industrial activity . Norris added that by optimising land use , Arandis aims to attract investment , create jobs and generate revenue , emphasising that the town has the potential to be a beacon of economic growth .

Source: The Namibia News Agency

WINDHOEK: Chief Executive Officer of the Roads Authority , Conrad Lutombi has said that the four – lane freeway connecting Windhoek and Okahandja will greatly enhance traffic flow , including the transportation of goods and services . Lutombi was speaking at the opening ceremony of the last section of the Okahandja – Windhoek freeway on Friday . ‘ You will see now that many people who are living in Okahandja don ‘ t have to leave at 04h00 to go to Windhoek to work . They can now leave at 07h00 and they will be there in 25 minutes . We can almost guarantee that we will not have head – on – collisions between Okahandja and Windhoek ,’ he said . ‘ If you look at the traffic , our traffic count shows that between Windhoek and Okahandja , we almost have over 15 000 vehicles passing per day . So this road will really facilitate both the movement of traffic and therefore also facilitate the movement of goods and services . So it is quite very important .’ The freeway , which has been under construction since 2019 at
a cost of N . dollars 1 . 4 billion , is nearly fully complete , according to Lutombi . ‘ We are almost 99 per cent complete with the leg of Okahandja . We were busy with the construction from Omakunde to the Okahandja – Otjiwarongo interchange … and we are happy that we are now done and today we are opening this road to traffic for the public to start enjoying it . Yes we will still do some minor works , especially at the interchange Okahandja – Otjiwarongo , especially under the bridge , but overall , we are almost done ,’ Lutombi said . Jason Hashoshange , one of the project engineers who supervised the road construction , remarked that the project was both challenging and fulfilling . ‘ It was a challenging project as you will appreciate that this road goes through the farming community . So that means we have to do a lot of stakeholder consultation and engagements to make sure that the farmers give permission for us to be able to continue with the construction of the road , and also to make sure they a
re compensated accordingly ,’ he said .

Source: The Namibia News Agency

WINDHOEK: A 2023 informal cross border trading survey conducted by the Namibia Statistics Agency ( NSA ) has revealed that men dominated the informal trade sector at Oshikango , Omahenene , Sarusungu and Katima Mulilo border posts . This was revealed by NSA Statistician General and Chief Executive Officer , Alex Shimuafeni on Friday during the launch of the informal cross border trade report . Shimuafeni said male traders accounted for 58 . 3 per cent , while female traders accounted for 41 . 7 per cent . The total exports and imports in November 2023 amounted to N . dollars 10 . 3 million , with exports accounting for the largest share of 88 . 5 per cent ( N . dollars 9 . 1 million ) and imports accounting for 11 . 5 per cent ( N . dollars 1 . 2 million ). The largest share of exports was through the Oshikango border post , Shimuafeni noted . ‘ Cane emerged as the leading exported product , while cereal grains topped the list of imported goods ,’ Shimuafeni said

Source: The Namibia News Agency

Minister of Urban and Rural Development Erastus Uutoni said the provision of municipal services is not merely about infrastructure ; it is about empowering communities , fostering resilience , and enabling opportunities for growth and prosperity . Uutoni made the remarks during the handover ceremony of infrastructure services for the financial year 2023 / 24 at Outapi on Wednesday . According to Uutoni , access to clean water will improve health outcomes and sanitation standards , while reliable electricity will enhance educational opportunities , create economic avenues , and improve overall living conditions . ‘ The journey of construction therefore extends beyond laying pipes and cables . It is about fostering inclusivity , promoting social justice , and building a future where no one is left behind ,’ he said . Further , Uutoni stated that an amount of N . dollars 11 million , made possible through a collaboration between the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development and contributions from the Outapi Town
Council ‘ s own resources , was invested for the completion of the infrastructure services . The minister stated that this considerable funding has been exactly managed and strategically allocated to ensure that every resident in these key areas received high – quality and affordable services . ‘ By focusing on essential infrastructure improvements , represents our unwavering commitment to building stronger communities and creating lasting positive change ,’ he added . Town Mayor Selma Asino indicated that the infrastructure services are a combined effort of the resources from Central Government which is over N . dollars 7 . 4 million , while Council contributed over N . dollars 4 million from their own resources . Asino indicated that the collaboration between the Outapi Town Council , the line ministry and all their partners demonstrates the power of collective effort . ‘ These projects have been undertaken with the goal of addressing the growing needs of our community and ensuring that every resident has a
ccess to essential services that support their daily lives ,’ she said . She then urged the residents to take ownership of these services and safely guard them as they are meant to improve living standards .

Source: The Namibia News Agency

WINDHOEK: Vice President Netumbo Nandi – Ndaitwah has emphasised the need for Namibia to continue playing an active role in advancing green hydrogen and industrialisation . Nandi – Ndaitwah was speaking at the official opening of the inaugural Global African Hydrogen Summit in Windhoek on Wednesday . She said Namibia is hosting the summit due to the initiative of late President Hage Geingob , and expressed appreciation for the over 1 000 delegates from around the world attending the event . Nandi – Ndaitwah outlined Namibia ‘ s commitment to sustainable industrialisation as a core strategic goal since independence and pointed to Vision 2030 , National Development Plans , and the Harambee Prosperity Plan as frameworks guiding this objective . ‘ This goal has been clearly articulated in our Vision 2030 and strategically reinforced in subsequent National Development Plans since 2004 , as well as the Harambee Prosperity Plan . Importantly , this objective is shared with our continental peers and has been captured
in Africa Agenda 2063 , the Africa we want , where many African states recognise the interconnected nature of our economic and environmental ecosystems ,’ she said . She further detailed Namibia ‘ s plans to use its abundant renewable energy resources for hydrogen production , which she described as a crucial method for tackling climate change and fostering development in hard – to – abate sectors and noted that Namibia is investing in research and development to explore these opportunities . ‘ The utilisation of abundant renewable energy potential to produce hydrogen , which can be used as a fundamental building block for hard – to – abate sectors , has emerged as a promising means to combat climate change , while also offering an important developmental pathway . This concept is worthy of detailed study and research and Namibia is investing its fair share of intellectual space towards this pursuit ,’ she said . Nandi – Ndaitwah also outlined Namibia ‘ s resources and infrastructure that support green indust
rialisation and mentioned the country ‘ s deposits of critical minerals , its role in facilitating copper trade with Zambia , and its favorable wind and solar conditions . She further highlighted Namibia ‘ s plans to expand port and rail infrastructure to enhance trade in low – carbon goods . ‘ Namibia offers a rich and welcoming environment that is well suited to host an impactful green industrialisation eco – system . Namibia has rich deposits of the minerals required to build clean industries , such as critical rare earth elements and lithium . We also help our Zambian neighbours trade their copper , a key ingredient for sustainable industries , with global markets ,’ she said . The three – day summit , which started on Tuesday , brings together leading role players in the sector , including heads of state , and is being held under the theme ‘ From Amibition to Action : Fueling Africa ‘ s Green Industrial Revolution ‘.

Source: The Namibia News Agency