Windhoek signs landmark deal to establish science centre in Katutura
The City of Windhoek and the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) have formalised a partnership to establish a Science, Technology and Innovation Centre (STIC) at the UN Plaza Community Complex in Katutura, in a move officials say will expand access to science and innovation at community level.
The memorandum of agreement (MoA), signed on Friday, positions the planned facility as a hub for youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and practical problem-solving aligned with Namibia’s development priorities.
Speaking at the signing, City of Windhoek chief executive officer Moses Matyayi said the initiative marked a shift towards a more knowledge-driven urban future. “Entering this partnership for the establishment of the Science centre is not merely about technology; it is about utilising technology to solve urban challenges, improve the quality of life, and empower our residents to participate in the modern economy.”
He described the agreement as “a significant milestone, representing a strategic merger of minds and resources,” aimed at bridging “the gap between policy and science, between urban development and research”.
The centre will be established at the UN Plaza Community Complex, where the city has approved the renovation of an existing restaurant building. Under a five-year lease agreement, NCRST will manage the facility.
Matyayi said the centre would serve as an inclusive space for learning and innovation. “This envisioned Science Centre is, at its core, a declaration. A community declares that knowledge matters. That curiosity is to be celebrated,” he said.
He added that the project seeks to decentralise innovation. “We are collaborating to establish a Science, Technology, and Innovation Centre at the heart of our community. The City of Windhoek has approved the renovation of the restaurant building at the UN Plaza, representing an investment to turn this facility into a hub for cutting-edge educational resources.”
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 of Agreement, we are not merely inking a document; we are forging a bridge between knowledge and opportunity, science and society, ambition and achievement,” he said.
Uunona highlighted the potential impact on local communities. “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 added that the facility would 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.”
According to Uunona, the centre will also promote inclusive education. “The centre will offer hands-on workshops, Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) programs, and maker spaces accessible to all, bridging the digital divide.”
NCRST chief executive officer 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 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.”
The planned centre is expected to focus on skills development, entrepreneurship, and research application, particularly among young people in Katutura.
