Windhoek, NCRST seal deal for Katutura science hub

A landmark deal to transform Katutura’s UN Plaza into a science and innovation hub was signed last week, aimed at expanding access to science and innovation at community level.

The City of Windhoek and the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) signed a memorandum of understanding on Friday to cement a partnership to establish a Science, Technology and Innovation Centre (STIC) at the UN Plaza Community Complex in Katutura.

The MoU positions the planned facility as a hub for youth empowerment, entrepreneurship and practical problem-solving aligned with Namibia’s development priorities.

Windhoek mayor Sakarias Uunona framed the initiative as a response to pressing socio-economic challenges facing the city, including inequality and youth unemployment. “As we sign this memorandum, we are not merely inking a document; we are forging a bridge between knowledge and opportunity, science and society, ambition and achievement,” he said.

“This science centre will be our catalyst for change. Imagine a hub where schoolchildren from Khomasdal and Katutura experiment with sustainable agriculture technologies directly addressing food insecurity in our informal settlements," he said.

The centre will offer hands-on workshops and science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) programmes.

The mayor said the facility will contribute to economic development by supporting innovation-driven enterprises. “Picture young entrepreneurs prototyping solar-powered irrigation systems or AI-driven waste management tools, turning ideas into jobs that keep our youth off the streets and into the labs of tomorrow.”

Pipeline of talent

NCRST CEO Anicia Peters said the agreement aligns with Namibia’s long-term development goals and seeks to embed science and innovation within communities.

“The intent of this memorandum of understanding is deliberate and strategic,” she said. “It is to establish a structured partnership grounded on a common commitment to advance science, technology and innovation as key drivers of socio-economic development at the community level.”

Peters emphasised that the initiative aims to make science accessible beyond institutions. “At its core, this MoU is about democratising access to science and innovation, ensuring that research, science and technology are not confined to institutions or policy documents but are translated into practical, accessible opportunities for communities and the Namibian youth.”

She described the project as a long-term investment in human capital. “This partnership is about building a pipeline of talent from early childhood curiosity to advanced research and innovation capacity.”