Namibia Launches Landmark AI Readiness Assessment Report, Charting a Path for Ethical and Inclusive AI Development-ISSUE #67☕

Welcome to Revolox Media — where Namibia’s big moves in finance, innovation, and technology come into focus.

Here’s what’s making waves today:

• The Bank of Namibia eyes a repo rate cut, responding to easing inflation and keeping in step with regional monetary trends — a shift that could bring relief to borrowers and boost economic activity.

• OM SEED wraps up a four-year journey of grassroots empowerment in Kunene, celebrating the region’s top innovators and the homegrown solutions shaping local economies.

• Namibia steps boldly into the AI era, unveiling its Landmark AI Readiness Assessment Report — a roadmap for building an ethical, inclusive, and future-proof artificial intelligence ecosystem.

From interest rates to innovation labs and AI ethics, this edition captures the heartbeat of Namibia’s transformation.

MARKET CORNER

NSX Index Overview

TOP MOVERS: NSX Local Stocks

ECONOMIC PULSE

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES

Disclaimer: The financial data and market information provided in the tables below, including stock prices, indices, exchange rates, economic indicators, and other metrics, are sourced from user-provided data and are accurate as of 13 August 2025 based on the latest input. This information is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, investment recommendations, or an offer to buy or sell securities. Market data is subject to change, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Users should verify data independently and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Revolox will not be responsible for any errors, omissions, or losses arising from the use of this information.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

Bank of Namibia Poised to Cut Repo Rate Amid Easing Inflation and Regional Alignment

The Bank of Namibia (BoN) is widely anticipated to reduce its repo rate from 6.75% to 6.50% at the upcoming Monetary Policy Committee meeting on 13 August 2025. This expected easing is supported by a combination of factors including subdued inflation, stronger foreign reserves, and alignment with the South African Reserve Bank’s recent rate cut in July.

Simonis Storm junior economist Almandro Jansen highlighted the rationale, pointing to the softened price pressures—July’s inflation slowed to 3.5% from 3.7% in June and averaged 3.6% so far this year, comfortably within BoN’s 3–6% target band. Additionally, private sector credit growth hit 5.7% year-on-year in June (the fastest pace since early 2020), driven mainly by corporate borrowing, while household credit rose by 3.1%.

A cut in the repo rate would lower borrowing costs for individuals and businesses, making loans such as mortgages, vehicle finance, and personal credit more affordable by reducing monthly repayments. This could stimulate new borrowing to support investment and consumption, bolstering economic growth and helping cushion the Namibian economy against external trade shocks.

On the other hand, savers may face reduced returns on fixed deposits and other interest-bearing savings instruments due to the lower interest rate environment.

However, FNB Namibia expects the BoN to maintain the repo rate at 6.75% for now, emphasizing ongoing external risks and the need for caution in monetary policy. They noted that if the BoN is comfortable keeping a 50 basis point (bps) policy rate differential compared to regional peers, a rate cut could come sooner than expected to aid borrowing costs for households and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs).

In summary, the BoN’s decision balances encouraging credit growth and economic stimulation with prudent risk management in a generally improving inflation and monetary environment. The market will watch closely for the 13 August announcement to gauge the bank’s stance on steering Namibia’s economic recovery.

Source: The Brief

OM SEED Concludes Celebrating Kunene’s Top Innovators, Marking Four Years of Grassroots Empowerment

The Old Mutual Foundation proudly announced the top three winners from Kunene Region, closing the final chapter of the Old Mutual Sustainable, Economic and Empowerment Drive (OM SEED)—a transformative four-year journey dedicated to nurturing grassroots entrepreneurship across Namibia.

Championing Innovation and Community Impact

• First Place: Joseph Edison Nauiseb, founder of JNZ Trading Enterprises, recognized for his excellence in welding, metal fabrication, carpentry, and joinery, delivering quality craftsmanship that supports both community needs and commercial projects.

• Second Place: Tina Kakurukaze Jeremia, owner of Teumu TKJ Trading Enterprises cc, whose unique fusion of crocheting artistry and catering services showcases creativity blended with outstanding customer care.

• Third Place: Tweyanombili, founder of Tweya Innovation, innovatively repurposing old tyres into durable furniture, merging environmental sustainability with practical design.

A National Platform Rooted in Sustainable Growth

This year’s OM SEED initiative, themed “Rooted in Growth for Sustainability,” attracted an impressive 116 applications from four focus regions: Omaheke, Otjozondjupa, Omusati, and Kunene. The rigorous selection process, carried out with strategic partner Financial Literacy Initiative (FLI) and knowledge partner United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), ensured fairness, transparency, and impact-driven evaluation.

Empowering Economic Participation Through Entrepreneurship

Mignon du Preez, Group Marketing, Public Affairs and Sustainability Executive at Old Mutual Namibia, emphasized the programme’s broader vision: “OM SEED embodies our commitment to fostering economic inclusion and sustainable entrepreneurship. It has been a platform where resilience, creativity, and community upliftment thrive — turning everyday innovators into business leaders whose influence extends far beyond themselves.”

Legacy of Empowerment and Economic Growth

Over its lifetime, OM SEED has invested in and mentored over 40 grassroots entrepreneurs, providing vital seed capital, business training, and ongoing support to convert ideas into prospering businesses. The initiative has catalysed job creation, skill development, and widespread social impact, strengthening local economies across Namibia.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Journey of Entrepreneurial Empowerment

As OM SEED draws to a close, Old Mutual Foundation honors every innovator and entrepreneur who shaped this journey. The organisation reaffirms its unwavering dedication to fostering Namibia’s next generation of entrepreneurs through new, evolving platforms and sustained support.

Source: BusinessExpress

TECH

Namibia Launches Landmark AI Readiness Assessment Report, Charting a Path for Ethical and Inclusive AI Development

Namibia has unveiled its groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence (AI) Readiness Assessment Report, setting a bold agenda to harness AI’s transformative power while championing ethical, inclusive, and sustainable growth across the nation.

Comprehensive National Assessment with Global Collaboration

Produced by the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) in partnership with UNESCO and supported by the Government of Japan, the report provides a multifaceted evaluation of Namibia’s AI preparedness. It covers legal, technical, social, educational, and economic dimensions, offering a clear-eyed view of current strengths and urgent gaps.

AI’s Promise Across Key Sectors

The assessment highlights AI’s potential to revolutionize critical sectors including agriculture, water management, energy, healthcare, education, climate resilience, and national security. At the same time, it underscores the pressing need for formal AI regulatory frameworks, enhanced public awareness, and expanded digital infrastructure.

Progress Embedded in National Strategies

Namibia is proactively embedding AI priorities into its broader development roadmap, notably within the draft National Development Plan 6 and the Harambee Prosperity Plan II. Initiatives already underway—such as the proposed National Responsible AI Institute, AI-focused degree programs at the University of Namibia and Namibia University of Science and Technology, and the creation of high-performance computing centers—showcase growing institutional commitment.

Guided by Global Best Practices and Ethical Frameworks

The report draws upon international standards including the African Union’s Continental AI Strategy, the Windhoek Statement on AI in Southern Africa, and UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI. Key recommendations call for transparent, accountable AI systems, strong data protection laws, proactive mitigation of algorithmic biases, and secure AI deployment in critical infrastructure.

Challenges and Call to Action

Despite advances in digital policy—such as a draft Data Protection Bill and national cybersecurity strategies—Namibia faces challenges around a lack of binding AI legislation and a shortage of domestic AI expertise. The report closes with a rallying call: transition from assessment to concrete implementation to ensure AI drives public good, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.

The Bottom Line

Namibia’s AI Readiness Assessment Report signals a defining moment in positioning the country as a responsible AI leader in Africa. By aligning national ambitions with ethical frameworks and global best practices, Namibia is poised to unlock AI’s benefits for all its citizens while safeguarding human rights and social equity.

Source: BusinessExpress

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

In this week’s growth corner, we explore how small, consistent habits can create big life changes. Whether it’s improving your time management, building emotional resilience, or learning a new skill, personal development is about shaping the person you want to become — step by step.

Today’s takeaway? Invest in your mind like it’s your most valuable asset — because it is. Read that book, take that course, start that journal. The future you will thank you.