For an explanation of how to read this resource, please refer to the guide at the bottom.
AI Regulation
In February 2025, it was reported that Namibia had launched its national AI strategy.1
Definitions of AI
In the absence of publicly available official instruments on AI regulation in the country, including the national AI strategy, we have not verified the existence of any definitions of AI.
Core Principles
In the absence of publicly available official instruments on AI regulation in the country, we have not verified the existence of any core AI principles.
Public Consultations
Based on publicly available information, we have not found evidence of invitations for public input on AI governance in the country.
Existing Legal Framework
A non-exhaustive list of regulations that might affect AI in the country includes:
- Constitution of Namibia2
- Namibia Vision 2030, dated 20043
- Namibia’s 5th National Development Plan (NDP5)4
- National Digital Strategy Plan 2025-2029 (NDSP)5
- Communications Act, 2009 (Act No. 8 of 2009)6
- Electronic Transactions Act, 2019 (Act No. 4 of 2019)7
- Access to Information Act, 2022 (Act No. 8 of 2022)8
Human Rights
The UDHR was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 10 December 1948. Its principles are considered universal and applicable to all UN member states. As a member of the UN, Namibia has committed to upholding the principles of the UDHR. The Constitution of Namibia includes provisions that protect fundamental human rights.9 Article 13 guarantees the right to privacy (protection from interference with privacy of the home, correspondence or communications, and protection from unjustified search). Other protections include the rights to life (Article 6), dignity (Article 8), equality and non-discrimination (Article 10), education (Article 20), freedom of expression (Article 21), and work (Article 21). Healthcare is identified under principles of State policy (Article 95). Namibia has ratified several key international human rights instruments, including the ACHPR, ICCPR, and ICESCR. Additionally, the country has ratified the Malabo Convention.
Regulators
A non-exhaustive list of regulators that might impact AI in the country includes:
- Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT)10
- Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN)11
- National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST)12
- Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team (NAM-CSIRT)13
- Namibian Standards Institution (NSI)14
- Office of the Ombudsman15
R&D and Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives
In November 2024, the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and the Bank of Namibia launched the Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Accelerator, located at NUST. This initiative, funded by the Bank of Namibia, aims to support AI-focused degree programs and foster interdisciplinary research and innovation.16
Professional/Industry Associations
Based on publicly available information, we have not found evidence of professional or industry associations dedicated to AI in the country.
Advisory Bodies and Expert Groups
The Task Force on the Fourth Industrial Revolution was appointed in 2021 to determine Namibia’s readiness for leveraging the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Its report was issued in August 2022.17
Guide
- AI Regulation: The term "regulation", as used in this resource, encompasses measures ranging from binding laws to national AI policies and strategies, government proposals, advisory guidelines, and industry standards that address AI systems and their implications.
- Existing Legal Framework: This section outlines the relevant legal framework, excluding any AI-specific regulations presented in the initial section.
- Human Rights: The following terms have the stated meanings: "ACHPR" means the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, "ICCPR" means the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, "ICESCR" means the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, "Malabo Convention" means the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection, "UDHR" means the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and "UN" means the United Nations. Any reference to an “Article” or “Section” of the Constitution is to the version of the Constitution referenced herein.
- Advisory Bodies and Expert Groups: This section excludes legislative and parliamentary committees.
