WELWITCHIA UNIVERSITY JOINS NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON HARNESSING AI FOR TRANSFORMATIVE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
Welwitchia University participated in the opening day of the 2026 National Student Research Symposium (NSRS), held today at Country Club under the theme “Harnessing AI to Catalyze Transformative Research: Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators.” The symposium brings together students, researchers, academics, government representatives and industry stakeholders to explore the role of research and artificial intelligence in advancing Namibia’s development.
The official opening address was delivered by the Honourable Dr Sanet L. Steenkamp, MP, Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, under the title “Building a Knowledge Economy for Namibia’s Future: Investing in Young Researchers and Innovators to Drive Industrialisation, Job Creation and Prosperity.” In her keynote address, the Minister emphasised the importance of investing in young researchers and strengthening Namibia’s research and innovation capacity to build a diversified, knowledge-driven economy. She highlighted AI’s potential to accelerate scientific discovery and develop solutions across critical sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, education, renewable energy and industrialisation.
The Minister also stressed the importance of responsible AI adoption, academic integrity, critical thinking and ethical research practices, challenging Namibia to move beyond consuming technologies developed elsewhere and invest in homegrown innovation that addresses national priorities. Welwitchia University was represented by Prof. Sifiso Nyathi, Pro-Vice Chancellor: Academic and Research, accompanied by a team of university researchers. The University also participated in a high-level panel discussion during the day’s deliberations, contributing to discussions on the opportunities, risks and future of AI within Namibia’s research and innovation system.
The engagement reinforced the importance of collaboration between universities, government, industry and research institutions in ensuring that emerging technologies are applied responsibly and that research translates into meaningful social and economic impact. Welwitchia University’s researchers will present their respective research papers during the course of the symposium, contributing to knowledge exchange, scholarly dialogue and the advancement of innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
Through its participation, Welwitchia University reaffirms its commitment to research excellence, responsible technological innovation and the empowerment of the next generation of researchers and innovators. The University remains dedicated to advancing knowledge that supports Namibia’s industrialisation, job creation and sustainable prosperity. Welwitchia University — Advancing knowledge. Empowering innovation. Transforming futures.