The Bank of Namibia (BoN) and the University of Namibia (Unam) have renewed their focus on joint research that directly engages domestic developmental challenges.
In a renewed Research Cooperation Agreement signed last week, the two national institutions aligned their academic and research cooperation with national policy frameworks including Vision 2030 and the National Development Plans, enabling them to generate evidence-based insights on matters such as macroeconomic stability, inclusive growth, financial systems development, and social transformation.
The agreement, formalised during a signing ceremony in Windhoek by BoN deputy governor Leonie Dunn and Unam acting vice chancellor Professor Ellen Ndeshi Namhila, extends the academic and research partnership between the two institutions to 2029.
The relationship, which was established in 2014 and expired in 2024, reaffirms a decade-long collaboration and will now extend until 2029. The renewal of this strategic accord underscores both institutions’ commitment to producing rigorous scholarship and cultivating a knowledge-based economy.
Reflecting on the importance of the agreement, Dunn said the renewal speaks to the bank’s wider commitment to sustainable national development. “This partnership is more than an educational initiative; it is an investment in the intellectual infrastructure of Namibia. We believe that through research, teaching and public dialogue, we can help shape a future of informed policymaking and economic resilience.”
The cooperation agreement is underpinned by four central pillars: academic support, joint research, capacity building and institutional collaboration. Notably, the central bank will continue making available its highly qualified staff, especially doctoral holders, to serve as part-time lecturers in Unam’s Faculty of Commerce, Management and Law.
These services are rendered at the central bank’s full cost as part of its corporate social responsibility mandate, with the express aim of enhancing instructional quality in key economic disciplines.
Professor Namhila echoed these sentiments, emphasising the transformative impact the bank’s support has had on Unam’s academic delivery. “This renewed agreement marks another milestone in our journey to produce skilled professionals and rigorous research that responds to Namibia’s developmental needs. We are grateful for the BoN’s considered support.”
The agreement also establishes mechanisms for academic exchange and public intellectual engagement. This includes the co-hosting of conferences, symposia, short courses and seminars to promote knowledge sharing, professional development and public discourse on critical policy issues.
The intention is to foster deeper understanding of the country’s socio-economic dynamics and enhance the capabilities of both students and professionals. To ensure the effectiveness of the partnership, the agreement sets out a defined coordination and performance monitoring framework.
Each institution has designated operational and institutional contact points, with annual review meetings built into the structure of implementation.
Furthermore, Unam will submit bi-annual performance feedback on lecturers seconded by the bank, thereby maintaining a system of mutual accountability and quality assurance.
The renewed agreement stands as a blueprint for how public institutions can meaningfully collaborate to drive national progress by integrating academic rigour with policy relevance. BoN and Unam reaffirm their shared role in shaping a more prosperous and inclusive Namibia.
– Nampa/AFP