In a significant show of partnership and goodwill, the Government of Japan, through its Embassy in Namibia, has strengthened the University of Namibia’s emergency response capacity with the donation of two ambulances, a fire truck and essential equipment valued at N$1.2 million.
The donation handover ceremony held at the Main Campus on 25 March 2026 was officiated by Japan’s Ambassador to Namibia, Mr. Sinichi Asazuma who presented the donation to UNAM’s Chancellor, His Excellency Dr. Nangolo Mbumba, and Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Kenneth Matengu.
Receiving the donation, the Chancellor, H.E Nangolo Mbumba expressed expressed sincere appreciation to the Government of Japan for their generous and timely donation, noting that the contribution will significantly enhance safety, preparedness and service delivery across UNAM campuses.
“At a time when campus safety and emergency preparedness have become paramount concerns, Japan has once again stepped in to assist us with these life-saving vehicles”, remarked Chancellor Mbumba appreciatively.
The Chancellor noted the donation’s particular significance for students with disabilities, explaining that the vehicles would “address the plight of a specific segment of the student population that is often neglected, those that are differently abled, who require assistive devices or equipment to navigate the learning environment”.
“Our emergency response teams now have the equipment needed to ensure student safety and support effective campus operations,” stated the Chancellor.
Echoing similar sentiments, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Kenneth Matengu, underscored the strategic importance of the donation, highlighting that many UNAM campuses particularly those located far from urban centres, face critical gaps in emergency response infrastructure. He noted that while some campuses have medical personnel, access to ambulances has remained limited, making this donation both timely and essential.
He further emphasized that the donation will directly respond to these urgent needs, strengthening the University’s ability to provide immediate medical and safety support across its dispersed campuses.
The Vice Chancellor reflected on the long-standing partnership between Namibia and Japan, noting that the long-standing partnership has extended beyond infrastructure support to include academic exchange, capacity building, and scholarships that have contributed to the development of UNAM’s academic community.
Ambassador Asazuma Sinichi, in his remarks, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to education and development: “We believe that investment in education is an investment in the future.”
He highlighted that the donation made under the Japanese Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), is intended not only to strengthen emergency response, but also to enhance student training in health sciences and agriculture while supporting community outreach and environmental safety initiatives.
The significance of the donation is already being felt at student level. Suoma Akawa, a second-year Bachelor of Psychology student shared a powerful perspective on what this means for differently abled students: “This donation will give us access to safer, more comfortable and appropriate transportation, especially in emergencies.”
She added that the initiative will create a more inclusive campus experience, enabling differently abled students to focus on their studies rather than daily accessibility challenges.
This timely donation represents more than an investment of vehicles and equipment. It is an investment in people, safety and creating a more inclusive and dignified experience across UNAM Campuses.
