Vice President of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has called on broadcasters in Southern Africa to ensure that artificial intelligence (AI) is used as a tool for truth and not distortion.
The Vice President officially opened the 8th Broadcast and Digital Media Convention at Swakopmund.
The event organised by the Southern African Broadcasting Association (SABA) brought together heads of broadcasters and media professionals from Southern Africa to explore the use of artificial intelligence.
"For these next two and a half days, our emphasis would be to understand what artificial intelligence is all about. We have deliberately invited experts, researchers, and academics who should come and help us understand what this animal means. We know that the application of AI can either be for negativity or can also be used for positivity," said SABA president Stanley Similo.
Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah said the theme urges the African continent to embrace AI as a force for good and pioneer new methods in broadcasting and content creation.
"It is your duty to set ethical standards and implement robust editorial oversight. Let us ensure that technology serves the public good and strengthens our role as pillars of truth in society."
The Vice President revealed that the SADC region reflects a shared determination to harness digital innovation as a catalyst for socio-economic growth.
"I am looking at Africa, where our digital ecosystems are vibrant, inclusive, and reflective of our unique cultural identities. A continent where we leverage technology not just to consume content but to create it, telling our own stories in our own words. This is our opportunity to showcase the brilliance of African creativity, the depth of our innovation, and the power of our communities. It is about positioning Africa as a digital powerhouse, where our perspectives are integral to shaping the future of global media."
According to Nandi-Ndaitwah, that can be achieved by allocating adequate resources to digital infrastructure and research.
The SABA president said public broadcasters are partners of governments, and they are the best institutions to tell the stories they need to share with the public.
Similo said the association has achieved progress in certain areas, citing the launch of a regional news bulletin called Eye on SADC in 2018 and an equivalent radio programme three years later.
He revealed that the public broadcasters are very close to setting up a 24-hour TV channel.