Friday, 23 October 2026

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Friday, 23 October 2026

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Namibian press · Organization

National Commission on Research, Science and Technology

Also known as: NCRST · National Commission on Research Science and Technology · National Commission on Research Science and Technology National AI technical advisory committee · NCSRT

Namibian government body overseeing research and science sector development, facing funding and staffing challenges while supporting research projects and innovation infrastructure.

2025-07-222026-10-23

News reports

Order a long-term news report on National Commission on Research, Science and Technology

Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

April 2026
15 AprNew Era
National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) hosted 48-hour hackathon in collaboration with New Era Publication Corporation
Source
“A team of young innovators explored how artificial intelligence can reshape decision making in Namibia's media sector after they participated in a 48-hour hackathon hosted by the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) in collaboration with New Era Publication Corporation (NEPC).”
Media meets AI …Namibian youth build data driven solution
15 AprNew Era
National Commission on Research, Science and Technology awarded Lifetime Achievement in Research Award to Laurie Marker
Source
“Rudolf Gaiseb Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) founder Laurie Marker was recently awarded the Lifetime Achievement in Research Award by the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST).”
Marker honoured with lifetime award …cheetah conservationist recognised
8 AprThe Namibian
National Commission on Research, Science and Technology gave lifetime achievement in research award
Source
“The lifetime achievement in research award was given by Namibia's National Commission on Research, Science and Technology, which coordinates research and science activities in the country.”
Cheetah Conservation Fund’s Laurie Marker wins lifetime award
March 2026
31 MarThe Namibian
National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) hosted a recent town hall meeting at Mariental
Source
“Uaputauka was speaking after a recent town hall meeting hosted by NCRST at Mariental, where participants were urged to recognise that AI is already part of their daily lives through common digital tools.”
Namibian graphic designers urged to adapt as AI reshapes industry
30 MarNew Era
National Commission on Research, Science and Technology awarded researchers at the National Research Excellence Awards 2026
Source
“The National Commission on Research Science and Technology awarded some of its best researchers at the National Research Excellence Awards 2026 over the weekend in Windhoek.”
NCRST awards top researchers
17 MarNew Era
National Commission on Research, Science and Technology collaborated with New Era Publication Corporation to award winners of the maiden Artificial Intelligence Innovation Hackathon
Source
“The New Era Publication Corporation (NEPC), in collaboration with the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST), on Sunday awarded the winners of the maiden Artificial Intelligence (AI) Innovation Hackathon.”
New Era, NCRST explore AI
February 2026
25 FebThe Namibian
National Commission on Research, Science and Technology collaborated with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board to establish SUN
Source
“He said SUN emerged from collaboration between NCRST and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), adding that innovation depends on coordinated systems and deliberate infrastructure – gaps the platform seeks to address directly.”
Platform launched to boost SME growth
23 FebNew Era
National Commission on Research, Science and Technology partnered with NIPDB to inaugurate the ScaleUp Namibia offices
Source
“The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), in partnership with the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST), inaugurated the ScaleUp Namibia (SUN) offices on Friday.”
ScaleUp Namibia office opens to grow start-ups
July 2025
22 JulThe Namibian
National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) notes Namibia faces lack of specialised skills, outdated educational frameworks, and gaps in regulatory environment
Source
“The National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) notes that Namibia faces "a lack of specialised skills, outdated educational frameworks, and gaps in the legislative and regulatory environment".”
AI and Higher Education in Namibia

World & Region

ESA astronaut calls Namibia to join global space sector

The News

European Space Agency astronaut Matthias Maurer urged Namibia to identify contributions to the global space sector rather than wait to become space-faring, highlighting the country's desert environment, geological expertise, astronomy facilities, and young scientists as assets for international space programmes. Namibia's government is developing space sector legislation to foster innovation, education, and job creation.

9 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 9 October

ESA astronaut calls Namibia to join global space sector
European Space Agency astronaut Matthias Maurer urged Namibia to identify contributions to the global space sector rather than wait to become space-faring, highlighting the country's desert environment, geological expertise, astronomy facilities, and young scientists as assets for international space programmes. Namibia's government is developing space sector legislation to foster innovation, education, and job creation.
9 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 7 October

Namibian learners win silver, bronze at international science fair
Guillermo Melando and Thobias Gabriel won silver and bronze medals respectively at the 46th Eskom Expo International Science Fair in Johannesburg, where young scientists from 11 countries showcased research and innovations from 28 September to 2 October 2026.
7 October 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 5 October

ESA astronaut encourages Namibian learners toward space careers
Dr Matthias Maurer, who spent 177 days aboard the International Space Station during his Cosmic Kiss mission, addressed learners at Windhoek High School, urging them to pursue science and space exploration and sharing how his perspective changed upon seeing Earth from orbit.
5 October 2026 · Informanté →
Two Namibian pupils compete at continental science fair
Guillermo Melando and Thobias Gabriel represented Namibia at the 2026 Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair in Johannesburg from 28 September to 2 October, having won the primary and secondary phases of Namibia's 2025 National Science Fair.
5 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 2 October

German ESA astronaut to visit Namibia during World Space Week
Dr Matthias Maurer, a European Space Agency astronaut, will visit Namibia from 1 to 10 October to engage with about 8,000 school learners and promote science and technology as part of World Space Week Namibia. Maurer will visit Windhoek, Oshakati, Ongwediva and Swakopmund, delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony and attending public events at universities.
2 October 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 1 October

German astronaut visits Namibia to engage 8,000 pupils
ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer will visit Namibia from 1 to 10 October, engaging with about 8,000 pupils across Windhoek, Swakopmund, Ongwediva and Oshakati and delivering a keynote speech at the World Space Week opening. The visit aims to strengthen scientific ties between Namibia and Europe and inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology and innovation.
1 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 27 September

Namibia launches National Artificial Intelligence Institute
Namibia has officially launched the National Artificial Intelligence Institute to boost research, local innovation, youth skills development, and digital public service transformation. The institute comprises a software development centre, datasets centre, AI innovation centre, and research and development centre, and aims to develop national capabilities to understand, adapt, and develop AI solutions locally.
27 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 17 September

Prime Minister pledges probe into Home Affairs research restrictions
Prime Minister Dr Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare has undertaken to investigate concerns over a directive allegedly restricting research into the systems, processes and information held by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security. The issue was raised in the National Assembly by Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda, who questioned whether the Ministry's reported position against permitting research—even by its own employees—was consistent with national research governance through the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology.
17 September 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 31 August

National research commission battles funding and staffing gaps
The National Commission on Research, Science and Technology faces significant institutional and financial challenges, including heavy reliance on external funding, insufficient staffing, and limited specialist research capacity, according to a National Council Standing Committee report. The NCRST is considering a research and development levy and incentives for companies to establish R&D capacity as potential solutions.
31 August 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 14 August

NCRST funds science park and research in Zambezi region
The National Commission on Research, Science and Technology will inject N$2.5 million into research projects in the Zambezi region this financial year, with plans advancing for a National Science, Technology and Innovation Park at Liselo on land allocated by the Mafwe Traditional Authority. The funding will support expansion of previously funded projects focused on food security, with the park intended to give researchers, students and local innovators access to facilities for practical solutions.
14 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 6 July

Parliamentary committee emphasizes stakeholder engagement for oversight
Bethuel Tjaveondja, addressing the Standing Committee on Education, Science, ICT and Youth Development, called for stronger parliamentary oversight through direct engagement with institutions under the committee's portfolio, arguing that effective oversight requires more than examining reports and policy documents.
6 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 21 May

Namibia ranks second in Southern Africa startup ecosystems
Namibia maintains second place in Southern Africa's startup ecosystem rankings after South Africa, ranking 94th globally and 10th in Africa according to the 2026 StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index, though it dropped nine places globally from 2025 despite recording 8.2% ecosystem growth.
21 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 29 April

Nust appoints Frednard Gideon as substantive vice chancellor
The Namibia University of Science and Technology has appointed Frednard Gideon as its substantive vice chancellor, effective August, following a recruitment process. Gideon, who holds a PhD in mathematics and has more than 25 years of academic experience including service on Nust's council for 14 years, succeeds Andrew Nikondo.
29 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 16 April

Researcher identifies antimalarial drug resistance markers in Namibia
Lydia Eloff, a University of Namibia PhD candidate in malaria genomics, has identified molecular markers associated with drug resistance in Namibia using genomic tools. Her research, which won the Best Student Researcher Award, is informing national surveillance efforts and therapeutic efficacy studies as the country experiences rising malaria cases, particularly in northeastern regions.
16 April 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 15 April

Namibian youth develop AI tool for media data analysis
A team of young innovators created a prototype at a 48-hour hackathon that uses artificial intelligence to help media organisations interpret operational and commercial data more effectively, enabling faster and better-informed decisions.
15 April 2026 · New Era →
Cheetah conservationist Laurie Marker wins lifetime research award
Laurie Marker, founder of the Cheetah Conservation Fund, has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement in Research Award by Namibia's National Commission on Research, Science and Technology. Over 35 years, Marker has built the Cheetah Research and Education Centre in Otjiwarongo into a multidisciplinary hub that has trained generations of Namibian researchers and contributed significantly to scientific literature and conservation efforts.
15 April 2026 · New Era →
Two academics shortlisted for Nust vice-chancellor role
The Namibia University of Science and Technology has shortlisted Unam pro-vice chancellor Frednard Gideon and NCRST chief executive Anicia Peters for the vacant vice-chancellor position. The university has operated under acting leadership since October last year after the previous vice-chancellor was suspended on misconduct allegations.
15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 8 April

Laurie Marker wins lifetime research award for cheetah conservation
The founder of the Cheetah Conservation Fund has received a lifetime achievement in research award from Namibia's National Commission on Research, Science and Technology in recognition of her conservation work and contribution to building Namibia's scientific infrastructure. Marker founded the CCF in 1990 and has led pioneering efforts including reintroducing cheetahs to India after decades of extinction there.
8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 31 March

Namibian graphic designers urged to adapt to AI reshaping
Chairperson of the NCRST ethics and responsible use of AI committee Taljaard Uaputauka has urged local graphic designers to adapt as artificial intelligence transforms lower-end design work, warning that entry-level roles face pressure from automation but stressing that higher-level functions like strategy, originality and client engagement remain dependent on human expertise. Uaputauka cautioned designers against competing with AI on speed alone, noting that clients value judgment, clarity and risk reduction, while a local designer said that adaptation requires stronger focus on creativity and using AI as a tool rather than a replacement.
31 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 30 March

NCRST honours top researchers at annual excellence awards
The National Commission on Research Science and Technology held its 2026 National Research Excellence Awards ceremony in Windhoek to recognise and celebrate contributions of researchers to Namibia's socio-economic development. Award winners across twelve categories—including lifetime achievement, student researchers, mid-career and senior researchers—received certificates, trophies, and prize money of N$10,000–N$20,000.
30 March 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 17 March

New Era and NCRST award AI hackathon competition winners
The New Era Publication Corporation and National Commission on Research, Science and Technology held a maiden AI Innovation Hackathon themed "Coding the Future of Media" to give young innovators the opportunity to apply their skills to solve real-world problems. Twenty-five participants from tertiary institutions competed, with judges assessing entries on originality, impact, and usability.
17 March 2026 · New Era →

Friday 27 February

PM Ngurare calls for innovation-led public sector reform
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare said economic transformation requires institutional transformation and an efficient, digitally-enabled public service aligned with Vision 2030 and NDP6. Speaking at Namibia's inaugural Public Sector Innovation Conference, Ngurare emphasised that public sector innovation is central to economic development, expanded employment, and improved service delivery.
27 February 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 25 February

ScaleUp Namibia platform connects innovation hubs to support SME growth
Namibia has launched the ScaleUp Namibia (SUN) platform to strengthen support for small and medium enterprises by coordinating fragmented innovation support structures under a single national framework. The initiative, structured around five pillars including funding, infrastructure, and capacity development, aims to help entrepreneurs scale beyond survival by making the innovation value chain more accessible and reducing barriers to growth.
25 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 23 February

ScaleUp Namibia office launches to support start-ups
The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board and the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology inaugurated ScaleUp Namibia offices to centralise support for entrepreneurs by bringing innovation hubs and support organisations under one roof, aiming to improve access to mentorship, funding and reduce fragmentation in Namibia's start-up ecosystem.
23 February 2026 · New Era →