The University of Namibia (Unam) has been ranked 31st in the inaugural QS World University Rankings: Sub-Saharan Africa 2026.
This marked its first inclusion in any QS global ranking and positioning the country among recognised higher education institutions on the continent.
The rankings, released by QS Quacquarelli Symonds, assessed over 1 000 institutions across sub-Saharan Africa. Of these, 260 institutions met eligibility criteria, with only 69 universities from 21 countries making the final ranking.
Unam’s placement in 31st position highlights Namibia’s growing presence in the regional higher education landscape, with only two institutions from the country represented in the rankings, the other being the Namibia University of Science and Technology, ranked 46th.
Reacting to the achievement, education minister Sanet Steenkamp said the recognition affirms progress in strengthening Namibia’s higher education system and reflects the university’s growing credibility on the continental stage. She noted that such milestones contribute to national development, skills training and Namibia’s participation in Africa’s knowledge economy.
Unam vice-chancellor Kenneth Matengu said the ranking confirms the institution’s increasing relevance within Africa’s academic environment.
“Being ranked 31st among 69 institutions, from an initial pool of 1 000, is a strong starting point and a matter of national pride,” he said.
Unam director of strategic institutional planning, Fanuel Hiiko said the ranking provides an important benchmark for the institution’s performance, adding that the university’s integrated strategic business plan 2025-2030 aligns with indicators used in global rankings, including research impact, learning experience, sustainability, international collaboration, and graduate employability.
The newly introduced ranking measures institutional performance across several indicators, including academic and employer reputation, research influence, international research partnerships, web presence, and sustainability.
-Nampa