Namibian SMEs urged to use existing technology before buying new AI

​Technologist and academic expert Siddhartha Tiwari urges small and medium-sized businesses to recognise that Namibia’s biggest opportunities may not require expensive technology.

Instead, he suggests focusing on transformation tools that already exist.

He says small businesses are often told that artificial intelligence (AI) is the future but since many entrepreneurs juggle rent, staff salaries and stock orders, the idea of investing in AI can feel unrealistic.

Tiwari, who is a Singapore-based scholar and co-author of the book ‘Understanding Technology in the Context of National Development: Critical Reflections’, said this in an interview with The Namibian last week.

“Many small businesses misunderstand what adopting artificial intelligence actually means. The biggest misconception right now is that adopting AI means hiring developers or buying expensive enterprise software,” he said.

He said for a small business, technology adoption is about time reallocation.

He added that for Namibia’s small business sector, from local retailers and hair salons to tourism operators and repair services, time is often the scarcest resource.

Tiwari said the most practical starting point is not sophisticated AI systems but simple digital improvements that remove repetitive work.

“Technology for small businesses isn’t about becoming a tech company. It’s about buying back time so owners can focus on what they actually love doing.

“Across Namibia, many businesses already use digital tools such as online payment platforms, cloud accounting systems and social media marketing. Yet, many owners overlook built-in automation features that could save hours of work each week,” he said.

He said cloud accounting platforms can provide real-time cash-flow insights instead of waiting for end-of-month calculations.

Tiwari said online booking systems can eliminate the constant back-and-forth of scheduling appointments, and that simple inventory tracking software can reduce costly stock errors.

“The goal is not to let AI speak for your business. It should be a starting point that helps owners overcome the blank page and move faster.

“In Namibia’s competitive market, where small enterprises play a vital role in employment and local economic growth, these small efficiencies can add up quickly. By automating routine administrative work, entrepreneurs can spend more time improving customer service and expanding their businesses,” he said.

The Namibian in the past reported that many Namibian small and medium enterprises are missing opportunities by not establishing a strong online presence, an opportunity described as being beneficial but missed by many entrepreneurs.

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