In a move to deepen relationships with its valued partners, the University of Namibia (UNAM), through the UNAM Foundation, hosted the inaugural Breakfast with the Vice Chancellor on 27 March 2025.
This event, sponsored by Offixeconomix, brought together key stakeholders, including Debmarine Namibia, GIZ, FirstRand Namibia, and the World Health Organisation, for an intimate engagement with Vice Chancellor Prof. Kenneth Matengu.
The purpose of this new platform is to foster open dialogue between the University’s leadership and its corporate, development and international partners, ensuring that collaboration remains aligned with UNAM’s vision to transform Africa through innovation, research and inclusive education.
In his keynote address, Prof. Matengu acknowledged the critical role that each stakeholder plays in the growth and success of the University. “Your continued support enables UNAM to dream bigger, reach further, and serve better,” he said.
He noted that UNAM is now ranked among the top 13 universities in Africa – a milestone that reflects not only academic excellence, but also the strength of partnerships that power the institution.
Prof. Matengu also spotlighted impactful initiatives such as the rice cultivation project, initially launched in partnership with Japan, and now advancing through support from Debmarine at UNAM’s Ogongo Campus.
Such projects, he explained, speak to the University’s broader commitment to self-reliance and sustainable innovation.
Touching on national priorities, the Vice Chancellor shared UNAM’s intent to align its strategic goals with those of Namibia’s recently inaugurated cabinet.
He underscored the importance of investing in artificial intelligence, technical and vocational education, research and innovation, and entrepreneurial capacity building. “We need to get better at getting better,” he said, encouraging a mindset shift across higher education and society at large.
On the subject of graduate employability, Prof. Matengu challenged traditional thinking. “As a nation, we have been asking the wrong question,” he said. “Instead of asking our children what they want to become, we should ask them: What problems do you want to solve?”
The breakfast event marked a powerful beginning to a year of meaningful stakeholder engagements.
With several more sessions planned, UNAM is charting a path toward greater collaboration, innovation-led development, and an ambition to rise into the top 10 universities on the continent.
