South Africa and Namibia strengthen partnership in science, technology and innovation

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22 July 2023

 

South Africa and Namibia strengthen partnership in science, technology and innovation

 

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening cooperation in science, technology and innovation (ST&I) with the Republic of Namibia following the successful convening of the 4th Session of the South Africa-Namibia Bi-National Commission, held in Pretoria on 17 July 2026.

 

At the invitation of President Cyril Ramaphosa, Namibian President, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, visited South Africa to co-chair the commission. Participants of the session reflected on the historic bonds of friendship, solidarity and common struggle that have united the neighbouring nations for decades. These enduring ties have formed the foundation for excellent bilateral relations and expanding strategic partnership between the two countries.  

 

The session was preceded by meetings of senior officials on 14 and 15 July and the Ministerial Segment on 16 July. On 17 July, officials visited the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), an entity of the DSTI, where they reviewed progress on previous commitments, prepared recommendations for consideration by the two heads of state and toured the CSIR's world-class research and development facilities.  

 

The DSTI participated in the Social Committee of the Bi-National Commisssion and reported on the continued implementation of the 2005 Bilateral Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation with the Namibian Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports and Culture (MEIYSC). The DSTI and MEIYSC reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing scientific collaboration that supports sustainable development, innovation-led economic growth and improved livelihoods for the citizens of both countries.

 

The two ministries agreed to continue prioritising collaboration in eight strategic ST&I thematic areas, namely, biosciences and biotechnology; technology and innovation development programme; joint research management programme; space science and technology; high-performance computing infrastructure; astronomy and space geodesy; indigenous knowledge systems; and ST&I indicators.

 

Recognising the evolving global innovation landscape and emerging opportunities for regional collaboration, South Africa and Namibia also identified new priority areas for cooperation. These include industrial research; human capital development; the Africa Millimetre Telescope Project; nanotechnology; the fourth industrial revolution and artificial intelligence research, development and innovation; and collaboration on intellectual property management.

 

To broaden participation and maximise the impact of their collaboration, the DSTI and the MEIYSC agreed to work more closely with their respective country departments responsible for trade and industry to facilitate the participation of key science and innovation institutions in future business and innovation forums. These institutions include Namibia's National Commission on Research, Science and Technology and South African entities, the CSIR, Technology Innovation Agency, National Research Foundation, Mintek and the South African National Space Agency.

 

The commission highlighted the importance of translating scientific cooperation into tangible socio-economic benefits that improve the quality of life of Namibians and South Africans. The strengthened partnership reflects the shared vision of these countries to harness ST&I as catalysts for inclusive growth, industrial development and regional integration.

 

For enquiries, please contact Ms Julian Leshilo-Sebake on 060 961 2194 or Julian.Leshilo@dsti.gov.za

 

Issued by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation.