The University of Namibia (UNAM) has positioned itself as a beacon of excellence in responding to national high-level developmental initiatives as contained in Vision 2030, and National Development Plan Five (NDP5). This can be achieved through forging partnerships with key stakeholders like Telecom Namibia Limited to advance research, innovation, and entrepreneurship development.
The University’s Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kenneth Matengu is a big advocate for innovation and industrialisation. This collaboration was initiated to develop capacity, nurture local talent, and promote entrepreneurial innovation with the potential to turn societal challenges into business opportunities. The purpose of CIF is to provide an opportunity to UNAM staff and students to present and implement their innovative business ideas.
In line with UNAM’s mandate of producing entrepreneurs, CIF is currently nurturing an additional 12 incubated projects, comprising UNAM staff and students. CIF is set to empower the project teams with training, mentorship, coaching, and funding. These projects could result in commercially viable products or services with a focus on technology-based disruptive innovations, utilising Telecom Namibia’s infrastructure.
The current incubation programme runs from 01st September 2023 until 30th August 2024 and comprised of progressive ideas such as:
- Online intelligence platforms
- Farming technology
- Digital applications, and
- Online educational platforms
According to Mr. Leonard Imene, who is overseeing CIF activities of this nature, and is a Coordinator of Innovation and Business Development at UNAM, stated that “CIF is playing an integral role in preparation and supporting innovative ideas. These business ideas have the potential of developing into actual businesses capable of contributing to national employment, economy-boosting and improving the country’s innovation and global competitiveness”.
Telecom and UNAM: Empowering Namibia’s brightest minds
The collaboration between UNAM and Telecom Namibia Limited represents a shared vision to create job opportunities, stimulating trade and economy through innovative products and services.
Telecom Namibia has provided a 3-year grant to support and develop this initiative. Recognizing the importance of giving back to the community that sustains its operations, this collaboration is dedicated to enabling more people to become innovators and entrepreneurs. CIF is not only transforming ideas into reality, but it is igniting a powerful force for innovation and entrepreneurship.
