Namibia, South Africa sign research partnership MoU

The National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) Namibia and the National Research Foundation (NRF) South Africa have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen research collaboration between the two countries.

The agreement was signed during the 13th annual meeting of the Global Research Council in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 18 May to 22 May.

At the signing ceremony, Anicia Peters, NCRST CEO, said: “Signing this MoU at the GRC underscores our joint commitment to building a cohesive African research ecosystem capable of delivering globally relevant impacts.”

According to Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, NRF CEO, through partnership, they will accelerate cutting-edge research and cultivate the next generation of researchers and scientists across our continent.

Building frameworks for collaboration

The MoU establishes a framework for extensive cooperation across multiple disciplines.

The partnership will launch joint research initiatives to tackle the most pressing challenges facing both nations and the broader African continent.

The collaboration specifically targets critical areas, including energy solutions, digital health innovations, sustainable agro-food systems, and advancing space science.

The partnership will also create pathways for meaningful human capital development where researchers, students, and institutional staff from both countries will benefit from exchange programs that provide access to advanced research infrastructure and comprehensive support systems.

The partnership aims to extend its reach through established international frameworks, particularly the Science Granting Councils Initiative and other global networks, to ensure that capacity-building efforts benefit from proven methodologies and international best practices, amplifying the impact of local initiatives.

Research chairs and awards

Another significant aspect of the collaboration involves establishing bilateral research chairs, which will be hosted at institutions in both countries.

The partnership will also introduce joint researcher rating and award mechanisms to recognise and celebrate research excellence across both nations.

The agreement serves as a model for how African nations can leverage their collective strengths to deliver research outcomes that will benefit not only Namibia and South Africa but also contribute to solving challenges facing the entire continent and beyond.

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Published on 11 June 2025

Written by Jackie Opara