NCRST

The project will use AI, data and optimisation tools to support smarter decision-making, strengthen research capacity and deliver practical solutions for Namibia’s water security.

An inception meeting on 17 March 2026 marked the start of this project, bringing together researchers, stakeholders and students to tackle water access and climate challenges through innovation.

NCRST and 3Es4Africa have awarded a research grant to NUST’s Dr Quenum to advance AI-driven, climate-resilient borehole siting in Namibia, improving efficiency and equitable access to water.

to build solutions that address local challenges and contribute to global progress. Happy Independence Day, Namibia

Namibia’s independence created the foundation for a nation that can shape its own future. Today, we celebrate not only political freedom but also the power of knowledge & innovation to strengthen national development. Through research, science and technology, Namibia continues!

How can AI transform Namibia’s media landscape? The AI Innovation Hackathon 2026 by NCRST and New Era showcased practical, locally driven solutions to industry challenges. Mr Rikurora Karamata shares key insights. Watch the full interview: youtu.be/NwicnVh7h6o?si…

Winning teams included Team 1 (Financial and Sales Intelligence), Team 5 and Team 4 (both Editorial Automation), with selected participants to be considered for internship opportunities to further develop their solutions.

and Sales Intelligence solution, followed by Team 5 (Editorial Automation) and Team 4 (Editorial Automation). From problem definition to solution delivery, the NCRST–NEPC AI Hackathon challenged teams to code through two nights and reimagine media operations using AI.

NCRST and NEPC hosted a 48-hour AI Hackathon from 13–15 March 2026, bringing together students and innovators to develop AI solutions for media operations, from editorial workflows to distribution and data-driven decision-making. Winners: Team 1 took 1st place with a Financial

Facilitated by Charles Hangara and Jacobine Amutenya, the training is helping participants turn ideas into practical, community-driven solutions while preparing them to engage in national programmes such as the National Innovation Challenge.

NCRST, in collaboration with the Keetmanshoop Town Council, is hosting a Grassroots Innovation Training in Keetmanshoop from 16–20 March 2026, with 29 participants actively building skills in social innovation, design thinking and business development.

The workshops build IP literacy and equip TVET graduates to identify, protect and commercialise their innovations. With regional engagements now complete, the next phase will focus on higher education and research institutions.

NCRST continues its nationwide outreach on Intellectual Property and Intellectual Property Rights, strengthening innovation capacity within the TVET sector. Recent engagements in Omusati, Oshana and Oshikoto reached administrators, trainers and senior students.

The workshop strengthened alignment for national adoption and international comparability, with contributions from AUDA-NEPAD and NSA supporting quality, validation and the development of a coherent STI statistical system for Namibia.

NCRST, in collaboration with the Namibia Statistics Agency, hosted a three-day technical workshop from 10–12 March 2026 on the review and adoption of priority STI indicators, bringing together stakeholders from academia, government and industry.

How Startups Are Driving Namibia’s Innovation Economy Watch the full interview by NBC, where NCRST Manager: Innovation and Industrial Research, Mr Grant Balie, explains how startups contribute to Namibia’s economic development and innovation ecosystem. youtu.be/s-iw2s4CbE4?si…

Call for Applications: ICGEB Fellowships. Researchers and students can apply for PhD, Postdoctoral, Short-term and SMART Fellowships under the Arturo Falaschi Programme. Deadline: 31 March 2026. Learn more and apply via the ICGEB fellowship webpages.

NCRST continues its nationwide outreach on Intellectual Property (IP) and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), engaging TVET administrators, trainers and students in the Erongo and Kunene regions to strengthen IP awareness, innovation and technology transfer in Namibia.

Join the upcoming webinar on Strengthening Transparency in Research Funding, organised by the International Science Council, to explore how greater openness & accountability can strengthen trust & integrity in the global research ecosystem. Register here: lnkd.in/eDVVdJjy

Join the discussion and help shape the future of Artificial Intelligence in Namibia. Venue: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Swakopmund Date: Monday, 16 March 2026 Time: 08h00 – 13h00 Register here: forms.office.com/r/4wazMH8NZj