Windhoek: Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Lucia Iipumbu on Wednesday called on security personnel to embrace digital technology to enhance safety and for effective work execution.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Iipumbu highlighted the importance of digital transformation in line with NDP6’s focus on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. She emphasized that these tools must enable officers to operate more safely and effectively, while being guided by ethical standards, respect for privacy, and human dignity.

The minister made these remarks at the two-day Namibia private security conference and 33rd Security Association of Namibia (SAN) annual general meeting. The event is being held under the theme, ‘Strengthening Namibia’s Security Ecosystem: Collaboration, Compliance and Innovation.’ Despite advocating for technological integration, Iipumbu cautioned that these tools should serve as an empowering resource and not replace the current workforce.

Iipumbu further reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting public-private partnerships aimed at promoting technology adoption and cybersecurity awareness within the security industry. She noted that these advancements would not only modernize the Namibian security sector domestically but also position the country as a regional leader in security excellence within SADC.

In addition, the president of SAN, Dhiginina Uutaapama, acknowledged the evolving nature of crime and the necessity to adopt modern solutions, including AI and advanced cybersecurity. He urged stakeholders to invest in digital technology, stating that Namibia’s future lies in equipping the security industry with modern technology, training, and transformation. Uutaapama emphasized the importance of investing in digital technology, data protection, and smart solutions to make Namibia safer and more resilient, recognizing that AI is here to stay and the need to remain relevant in the industry.