Enkali pioneers AI solutions to bridge digital divide
At just 18 years old, Auwanga Enkali is emerging as one of Namibia’s young innovators, championing artificial intelligence (AI) to close the digital divide across underserved communities.
Enkali, a self-taught programmer since Grade 5, is using AI to develop offline educational and language translation tools. His work recently earned him global recognition as one of the youngest Generation Connect Youth Envoys appointed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
“I want to make technology accessible to everyone, even those without internet access,” Enkali said, after returning from the 2025 ITU Global Youth Summit in Cuba, where he presented his offline AI chatbot to an international audience.
The chatbot, designed for areas with limited connectivity, is set to launch on Google Play and Microsoft Store later this year. Enkali projects that it could reach 500 000 downloads within its first two weeks, offering real-time translation and critical services without the need for a live internet connection.
Enkali’s early achievements signal a deep commitment to social innovation. In 2023, he stunned the national tech scene by winning the 7th National ICT Summit at just 17, beating seasoned innovators. His momentum continued with victories in the BOOST UP 2024 National Pitch Competition and double wins at the UNICEF Innovation Challenge and UNDP startup competition, securing a combined N$90 000 in funding for his projects.
Despite facing setbacks, including an age-based disqualification from the BOOST UP regional finals in Botswana, Enkali’s impact has only grown. His drive has taken him from the lecture halls of Namibia to Parisian tech hubs and soon to stages in Bangkok and Beijing, where he will advocate for youth-led digital transformation.
Enkali plans to expand his AI platform to include all Namibian indigenous languages, partnering with schools to enhance digital learning, and contributing to global research on AI ethics in Africa.
“Technology should be a bridge, not a barrier,” Enkali said. “I want young people, no matter where they are, to have the same opportunities to learn, grow, and connect.”
With a clear vision and a deep sense of purpose, Auwanga Enkali is not just chasing personal achievements, he is shaping the future of digital inclusion in Namibia and beyond.
Enkali, a self-taught programmer since Grade 5, is using AI to develop offline educational and language translation tools. His work recently earned him global recognition as one of the youngest Generation Connect Youth Envoys appointed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
“I want to make technology accessible to everyone, even those without internet access,” Enkali said, after returning from the 2025 ITU Global Youth Summit in Cuba, where he presented his offline AI chatbot to an international audience.
The chatbot, designed for areas with limited connectivity, is set to launch on Google Play and Microsoft Store later this year. Enkali projects that it could reach 500 000 downloads within its first two weeks, offering real-time translation and critical services without the need for a live internet connection.
Enkali’s early achievements signal a deep commitment to social innovation. In 2023, he stunned the national tech scene by winning the 7th National ICT Summit at just 17, beating seasoned innovators. His momentum continued with victories in the BOOST UP 2024 National Pitch Competition and double wins at the UNICEF Innovation Challenge and UNDP startup competition, securing a combined N$90 000 in funding for his projects.
Despite facing setbacks, including an age-based disqualification from the BOOST UP regional finals in Botswana, Enkali’s impact has only grown. His drive has taken him from the lecture halls of Namibia to Parisian tech hubs and soon to stages in Bangkok and Beijing, where he will advocate for youth-led digital transformation.
Enkali plans to expand his AI platform to include all Namibian indigenous languages, partnering with schools to enhance digital learning, and contributing to global research on AI ethics in Africa.
“Technology should be a bridge, not a barrier,” Enkali said. “I want young people, no matter where they are, to have the same opportunities to learn, grow, and connect.”
With a clear vision and a deep sense of purpose, Auwanga Enkali is not just chasing personal achievements, he is shaping the future of digital inclusion in Namibia and beyond.
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