WINDHOEK — Namibia is positioning space science and technology as an emerging driver of education, innovation, job creation and economic development, as the country officially opened World Space Week 2026 in Windhoek on Monday.
Speaking at the official opening at the Windhoek High School Stadium, Deputy Executive Director in the Department of Higher Education, Training, Research and Innovation, Dr Lisho Mundia, said the global “Rocket Revolution” theme should inspire Namibian learners to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Mundia, speaking on behalf of Education Minister Dr Sanet Steenkamp, said the rapid transformation of space technology over the past seven decades had demonstrated the potential of innovation to address challenges on Earth. She urged young Namibians to embrace curiosity, creativity and scientific thinking, stressing that major technological achievements often begin with simple questions and ambitious ideas.
“Big dreams can start anywhere, even right here at home,” Mundia told learners. She said Namibia’s young people could become the next generation of scientists, engineers, space technologists and inventors if they were given the necessary education, skills, infrastructure and opportunities.
For Namibia, Mundia said the growing global space economy presents opportunities extending beyond astronomy, including research, agriculture, weather monitoring, environmental management, telecommunications, entrepreneurship and employment. She noted that technology transcends geographical boundaries and that countries prepared to adopt and develop space capabilities stand to benefit from the sector’s expansion.
Namibia has already taken steps towards establishing a national framework for the sector. Mundia highlighted the adoption of the country’s first Space Science and Technology Policy in 2021, aimed at harnessing space resources for socio-economic development. She further said Cabinet directed the Ministry in 2025 to develop a Space Science and Technology Bill, which is expected to provide a legal and institutional framework for regulating and promoting activities in the sector.
The proposed legislation, she said, would support research, innovation, education and capacity-building while creating an environment conducive to investment and participation in the emerging space economy.
Mundia also pointed to opportunities available through Namibia’s universities. The University of Namibia offers programmes and research opportunities in areas including physics and astrophysics, geoinformation and earth observation, as well as electrical, electronics and computer engineering. The institution is also involved in international astronomical initiatives, including the High Energy Stereoscopic System and the Africa Millimetre Telescope.
The Namibia University of Science and Technology similarly offers programmes in geoinformation and earth observation, space technology, atmospheric science and engineering, providing students with pathways into the rapidly developing space and technology industries.
Another significant development is Namibia’s growing space-related infrastructure. Mundia said the country had, through cooperation with China, commissioned a Satellite Ground Data Receiving Station this year. The facility is expected to strengthen Namibia’s ability to receive and process satellite data for use across government sectors, including evidence-based planning and decision-making.
She said the facility could also provide practical training opportunities for graduates pursuing space-related programmes, helping build the technical skills and human capital required to support Namibia’s emerging space industry.
Namibia’s natural environment also gives it a strategic advantage in astronomy. According to Mundia, the country’s clear skies, low levels of light pollution and favourable atmospheric conditions have made it attractive to international institutions interested in astronomical research and space-related investment.
The opening ceremony also featured European Space Agency astronaut Dr Matthias Maurer, whose visit to Namibia is expected to expose learners to first-hand experiences of human spaceflight and encourage greater interest in STEM careers.
Mundia expressed appreciation to Maurer for visiting Namibia and engaging with learners during Space Week, saying his presence provided young people with a rare opportunity to interact directly with an experienced astronaut.
She also thanked the German Embassy in Namibia for supporting and facilitating Maurer’s visit.
As Namibia seeks to expand its participation in the space economy, Mundia stressed that the country’s success would depend heavily on developing skilled human resources.
She urged learners to take their education seriously, remain curious, embrace innovation and prepare for opportunities in STEM fields, particularly as the country continues to confront unemployment and the need for new avenues of economic participation.
“Space Science is the future and that future begins with you,” Mundia told the learners, challenging them to see themselves not only as future beneficiaries of technological development, but as the innovators and problem-solvers who could help shape Namibia’s place in the global space sector.
