University of Namibia

Namibia is a maritime nation, with a rich ocean due to the upwelling Benguela Current system. The South Atlantic Ocean is an important resource for fisheries, tourism, transport and logistics as well as mining. It is recognised, in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), African Union Agenda 2063 as well as Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy (AIMS) 2050, that maritime nations like Namibia need to embrace the blue economy concept as an approach to sustainable development. The Fisheries sector in Namibia, not only is it the third largest income earner after mining and tourism, and contributes 15% of the country’s exports and employs more than fifteen thousand people, but its importance is also well-emphasised in the national planning documents and the country’s Vision 2030.

For that reason, a Stakeholder Conference on the establishment ofthe School of Marine Engineering and Maritime Studies of the University of Namibia was held from 28 – 29 May, in Walvis Bay. When realised, the School is envisioned to be based on a site availed by the Municipality of Walvis Bay. Although UNAM currently provides education and training in the field of fisheries and aquatic sciences at its Sam Nujoma Campus at Henties Bay, there are no under- or post-graduate programmes related to marine engineering and maritime studies. Thus, in order to address this gap, UNAM is proposing to establish an institute or School of Marine Engineering and Maritime Studies within the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology.

While welcoming the stakeholder conference delegates, UNAM Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Frednard Gideon explained the reasons for holding the consultation: “The stakeholder conference shouldtake this opportunity to critically and constructively discuss the needs analysis report prepared and make use of the information provided.” He is urged participants to deliberate on academic, training and research programmes which would help contribute to the development and growth of marine and maritime sectors through the programmes which would be mounted by the School.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Mr Bernhard Esau commended the University of Namibia for the consultative approach undertaken: “This consultative conference is the first of its kind, with international participations from Germany, Finland, Japan, Norway, China, Indonesia and South Africa, to deal with issues related to human resource capacity development needs of Namibia in marine and maritime engineering sectors.” He also encouraged the proposed School to play a role in providing quality higher education and training, beyond to what is currently being offered in the market.

The Stakeholders Conference was conducted, in partnership with the Chamber of Mines of Namibia,supported by Debmarine Namibia and the Namibian Ports Authority as key stakeholders. A similar consultative conference is slated for 31 May – 01 June in Windhoek, to deliberate on the proposed establishment of a Centre for Mining and Metallurgical Research & Training.