Also known as: NCRST · National Commission on Research Science and Technology · National Commission on Research Science and Technology National AI technical advisory committee
National Commission on Research, Science and Technology — Namibian government body that recognises research excellence, administers innovation awards, and supports the startup ecosystem.
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The Namibian
National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) notes Namibia faces lack of specialised skills, outdated educational frameworks, and gaps in regulatory environment
“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National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) notes that Namibia faces "a lack of specialised skills, outdated educational frameworks, and gaps in the legislative and regulatory environment".”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 NamibiaNamibia 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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →