Deep Learning IndabaX Leads AI Conversations
The Deep Learning IndabaX Namibia 2025 was hosted through the Faculty of Computing and Informatics under the theme “Human-Centred AI Towards a Digitally Inclusive and Cyber Resilient Namibia.” The three-day event brought together researchers, industry experts, policymakers, and students to advance knowledge sharing, collaboration, and capacity building in Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The programme featured keynote addresses, technical demonstrations, poster presentations, industry exhibitions, and four high-level panel discussions. Topics included AI’s role in cybersecurity, participatory approaches to shaping Namibia’s digital future, women’s contributions to AI, and the role of students in building human-centred AI.
Speaking on behalf of NUST, Dr Anna Matros-Goreses, the Executive Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovatio and Partnerships, stressed the importance of the theme, “Namibia should be among the countries recognised as leading examples of inclusive, secure, and human-centred technology adoption by 2030,” highlighting how digital inclusion and AI-enabled cybersecurity can strengthen national resilience.
Prof Dr Anicia Peters, CEO of the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology, revealed that Namibia ranks 14th on Africa’s AI Readiness Index and announced the upcoming AI Readiness Assessment Report. She further noted challenges, including ICT infrastructure gaps, limited data protection laws, and the underrepresentation of African data in AI training.
Sharing the same sentiments, Ndinelago Nashandi, Chairperson of IndabaX Namibia, urged government, partners, and the private sector to support AI growth through funding, mentorship, and infrastructure. “We must empower future AI leaders to innovate for Namibia,” she encouraged.
Since 2018, the Namibian edition has been part of a continental movement fostering African leadership in AI while aligning with national priorities such as NDP6 and Vision 2030. Four members of the IndabaX Namibia team will represent the country at the Deep Learning Indaba 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda, from 17–22 August.
