Bridging the AI skills gap
Equipping Namibia's workforce for a digital future
As AI transforms workplaces, Namibians must upskill to adapt to the shifting demands of the job market. AI is no longer futuristic; it's present across industries, particularly in financial services, where it automates tasks, analyses data, and enhances customer experiences. To keep pace, Namibia must close the skills gap by equipping workers with foundational AI skills, promoting education reform, and fostering a culture of lifelong learning.For many, AI might seem daunting, yet it fundamentally aims to improve efficiency, solve problems, and support better decision-making. In fields like finance, AI handles repetitive tasks like data entry, enables advisors to predict client needs, and enhances risk assessment. Employees must gain confidence in using AI tools, understand data outputs, and develop basic data literacy, which will empower them at every level within an organisation.
Education institutions and corporate training programs in Namibia should practically introduce AI concepts. By integrating AI into curricula, employees can see AI as an augmentation tool, not a replacement. For example, a bank teller could learn how AI predicts peak demand times to optimize staffing, while financial advisors could understand how AI algorithms analyze spending patterns to create tailored savings plans. Real-world applications make AI training accessible and engaging.
To sustainably build AI skills, collaboration among companies, training providers, and educational institutions is essential. Companies should assess current skill levels, identify where AI can add value, and implement training accordingly. AI-driven tools like chatbots can ease workloads, enabling service advisors to focus on complex tasks. Vocational schools and universities should offer targeted AI courses or certifications, meeting immediate workforce needs.
Establishing a lifelong learning culture is equally vital. As AI evolves, so must skills. Namibian workplaces can encourage the exploration of AI tools through workshops, mentorships, or hackathons, where employees brainstorm ways to improve customer service and operations. Simplifying AI concepts will empower all employees, from entry-level to management, to apply AI in their roles. This strategic shift not only enhances Namibia’s workforce competitiveness but also ensures readiness for the digital future.
* Eben Basson is the Head of Data and Digital Transformation at Old Mutual Namibia.
** Opinion pieces and letters by the public do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial team. The editors reserve the right to abridge original texts. All newspapers of Namibia Media Holdings adhere to the Code of Ethics for Namibian Media, a code established jointly with the Media Ombudsman.