Staff Writer
Artificial Intelligence Service Optimisation for Development (AISOD), a Namibian-registered artificial intelligence innovation and training organisation, has outlined its plans to position Namibia and Africa as leaders in ethical and locally developed AI systems.
AISOD was founded in 2023 by Namibian technologist Joel Tiago. The organisation focuses on using artificial intelligence to improve service delivery, develop digital systems, and equip Namibians with technological skills suited to a changing economy.
Its work aligns with Namibia’s National AI and Digital Strategies and responds to the need for African-driven AI solutions.
“Artificial intelligence must not be something Africa merely consumes,” said Tiago.
“It must be something we design, build and govern ourselves, using our own data, languages and lived realities to solve real African problems.”
AISOD was created to address gaps in Namibia’s technology sector, including skills shortages, high outsourcing costs and limited access to advanced digital tools.
Through its training arm, the AISOD Institute, the organisation offers accelerated AI and technology programmes for Namibians aged 15 to 55.
The programmes use practical, low-cost and no-code methods to lower barriers to entry.
Learners gain skills to design systems, generate code using AI tools and deploy real-world applications in shorter timeframes, preparing them for jobs, entrepreneurship and freelance work.
With more than 60% of Namibia’s population under the age of 30, AISOD places strong focus on youth development. The organisation runs hackathons, innovation challenges, and an AI community platform to support young people who are building solutions in agriculture, tourism, mining, healthcare and conservation.
AISOD’s AI-powered tools are already in use in areas such as human–wildlife conflict management, small business automation, customer service chatbots and digital education platforms. The tools aim to help organisations improve efficiency and remain competitive.
The organisation also promotes the development of African-owned AI technologies rather than relying on foreign systems. It supports data sovereignty, ethical AI usage, and the preservation of local languages and cultures in digital systems.
“AI should enhance human potential, not replace it,” Tiago said. “Our focus is on human–AI collaboration that protects jobs, creates new opportunities and ensures technology serves people, not the other way around.”
AISOD plans to work with the government, the private sector and educational institutions as Namibia advances its digital agenda.
Through education, innovation, and scalable AI solutions, the organisation aims to reach 300 million people worldwide by 2028.
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Joel Tiago
