The abuse of AI is firmly in the spotlight in Namibia after a video scam surfaced depicted government ministers endorsing a purported official investment scheme.
The AI-generated video, "guaranteeing" investors income of N$35 000 (US$2 000) per week, shows Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, Deputy Prime Minister Natangue Ithete and the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus.
Theofelus bemoaned the scam.
"We would like to reiterate that the Government of the Republic of Namibia does not have such platforms nor schemes and the videos circulating are Al-generated and the messages shared are false."
She urged the public to be vigilant and refrain spreading the video.
Windhoek-based Meinert Cybersecurity noted the latest video follows previous incidents targeting financial authorities.
"AI-generated videos are becoming increasingly convincing," the company stated.
It reminded the public that no government official would ever ask for money in exchange for guaranteed returns.
Theofelus has previously raised concern at the prevalence of disinformation perpetrated by AI-driven deepfakes and voice cloning
The AI-generated video in the meantime overshadowed ICT ministry's drive to promote the adoption of e-signatures.
The government is preparing to officially implement legally recognised e-signatures by February 2026, under the Electronic Transactions Act (2019).
The administration is working on the accreditation of service providers.
Speaking at an e-signature breakfast this week, Linda Aipinge, interim executive director, Ministry of ICT, said: "As we prepare for the nationwide deployment of the electronic signature, we are taking a decisive step towards a future where secure, efficient and accessible digital services are a norm and not an exception.”
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