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Welwitchia University WELWITCHIA UNIVERSITY WELCOMES RUSSIAN EDUCATION DELEGATION, ADVANCES STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH BELGOROD STATE UNIVERSITY

WELWITCHIA UNIVERSITY WELCOMES RUSSIAN EDUCATION DELEGATION, ADVANCES STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH BELGOROD STATE UNIVERSITY

Welwitchia University proudly hosted a high-level delegation from the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education and Belgorod State National Research University on 17 March 2026, strengthening ties under the Russian-Namibian Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation.
The visit, part of the delegation's Namibia itinerary from March 16-17, underscores the growing collaboration between Welwitchia University and Belgorod State National Research University. The two institutions formalized a partnership agreement last year, marking a milestone with the successful completion of the first cohort of Namibian students in a short Russian language course late in 2025.

Key Attendees

Welwitchia University was represented by Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Marius Hedimbi, Welwitchia Integrated Services Chief Executive Officer Mr. Edward Kafita, and key university management. The Russian delegation included:

  • Stepan Aleksandrovich Sokolov, Deputy Director of International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.
  • Tsybulya Nikolay Sergeyevich, Vice Rector and Director of the Department on International Cooperation, Belgorod State National Research University.
  • Alena Pavlovna Zolotova, Chief Specialist-Expert of the Section of International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.
  • Daniil Dmitriev, Junior Diplomat, Russian Embassy in the Republic of Namibia.

Expanding Horizons in Research and Exchange

During the engaging discussions, leaders explored innovative expansions to the Russian language program. Key proposals include online and distance learning modes to reach a broader audience of eligible Namibians, fostering greater access to international opportunities through language bridging.

Talks also delved into promising collaborative areas:

  • Joint Research Initiatives: Opportunities for co-authored journal publications to advance academic output in shared fields.
  • Staff Development: Doctoral exchange programs to enhance faculty expertise and research capacity.

This partnership exemplifies Welwitchia University's role in global higher education, promoting cultural exchange, linguistic proficiency, and research excellence between Namibia and Russia.