NCRST, City of Windhoek sign agreement to establish science and innovation centre
Date: 2026-04-25
By: Kanto Kai Okanta
The
National Commission on Research Science and Technology (NCRST) and the City of
Windhoek have signed a Memorandum of Understanding and lease agreement to
establish a Science and Innovation Centre at UN Plaza in Windhoek.
The
planned facility will include a science centre for learners and an innovation
hub aimed at empowering unemployed youth, marking the first initiative of its
kind in Namibia. Officials said the project represents a significant step in
strengthening collaboration to advance research, innovation and sustainable
urban development.
The
signing ceremony featured remarks from City of Windhoek Chief Executive Officer
Moses Matyayi, who outlined the city’s ambition to become a liveable and
adaptive urban centre by 2027. He highlighted the role of science, technology
and research in enabling young people to develop solutions to urban challenges.
NCRST
Chief Executive Officer Anicia Peters described the agreement as a strategic
commitment to fostering innovation, building capacity and creating
opportunities for youth. She noted that UN Plaza is expected to evolve into a
key hub for innovation, supported by partners including Debmarine Namibia.
Delivering
the keynote address, Windhoek Mayor Sakarias Uunona said the initiative
represents a step toward transforming ideas into practical opportunities that
can uplift communities.
The
agreement was formally signed by Councillor Austin Kwenani and Prof. Peters,
with closing remarks delivered by Nhlanhla Luphahla, who emphasised the
importance of collaboration between academia, government, industry and the
private sector in supporting Namibia’s development agenda.
Officials
said the partnership is expected to contribute to skills development,
innovation and inclusive economic growth, particularly among young people.
