AfroTech Namibia 2025 Unites AI, Innovation and Inclusion to Shape a Smarter Future
The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), in partnership with NIFA Academy, Twafiika Consultants, Trending Career Hub, and Future Media Namibia, hosted the inaugural AfroTech Namibia 2025 Conference on 24 July 2025 at Ster-Kinekor, Grove Mall in Windhoek. The event convened leading regional voices in artificial intelligence (AI), digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and gender inclusion to advance critical conversations on Africa’s technological future.
Held under the theme “AI, Innovation and Inclusion”, the conference brought together policymakers, researchers, developers, corporate leaders, and students from across Namibia and the region. The programme featured thought-provoking speeches and a dynamic panel discussion highlighting the role of AI in shaping inclusive, future-ready African societies.
Honourable Dr Emma Kantema-Gaomas, Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, delivered the keynote address, emphasising the importance of leveraging technology to bridge socio-economic divides and promote equitable development. “AI must not only be a tool for productivity and growth but for justice and inclusion. We must ensure that women, youth, and rural communities are not left behind in this digital transition,” she stated.
In his welcoming remarks, Professor Colin Stanley, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Partnerships at NUST, emphasized the University’s commitment to preparing Namibia for a capricious future shaped by rapid technological change. He highlighted qualifications such as Data Science and the upcoming BSc in Artificial Intelligence as key drivers of this transformation. These initiatives will strengthen strategic partnerships and support the development of platforms like the AI and Robotics Accelerator. “NUST is not only shaping graduates but future tech creators. Namibia must move from consumers to producers in the digital economy,” he urged.
The conference also showcased trailblazing voices such as Dr Natalie Raphil (Robots Can Think, South Africa), Lelanie Basson (Women in AI Namibia), Nazareen Ebrahim (Naz Consulting International), Dr Taime Sylvester (NUST), Mr Naftati Indongo (NUST) and Arinze Okafor (NIFA Academy), who shared innovative strategies that are reshaping work, business, and education through AI.
As Namibia prepares to embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution through local innovation and global collaboration, AfroTech Namibia 2025 served as a timely platform to spotlight opportunities, surface challenges, and co-create a tech-powered future that is inclusive, equitable, and African by design.
