Kavango west: Kavango West Regional Council Chief Regional Officer, Matheus Singambwe, has advised academics that research must go beyond collecting degrees and publications and should drive innovation and entrepreneurship that directly benefit communities in the region. Singambwe made the remarks while delivering his keynote address at the first Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Day held at the International University of Management (IUM) Nkurenkuru campus on Friday.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Singambwe highlighted the Multidimensional Poverty Index released by the Namibia Statistics Agency, indicating that 79.6% of people in Kavango West are living in poverty, despite the region's access to the Kavango River and fertile land. He emphasized that research should not solely aim at obtaining qualifications, publishing articles, or fulfilling institutional requirements. Instead, he urged academic staff to lead research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the region.
Singambwe also encouraged students and business-minded residents to transform challenges such as poor transport, food insecurity, and lack of access to agricultural markets into business opportunities that could create jobs and support local production. He mentioned the Rupara rural development centre in the Musese Constituency as a resource where small producers can convert raw materials into finished products for the market, noting that the centre features a metal workshop equipped with machinery.
IUM Professor for Academic Affairs, Research and Innovation, Charles Makanyeza, provided an overview of the event, stating that the day supports the university's 2026-2030 strategic plan. This plan promotes innovation in teaching, research, and stronger national and international partnerships. Makanyeza noted that the initiative aligns with Vision 2030 and the National Development Plan Six (NDP6), which identify research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation as key drivers of economic growth, wealth creation, and job opportunities.
Makanyeza further explained that the expected impact of the day is to strengthen IUM's contribution to reducing unemployment, poverty, and inequality in Namibia by connecting researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, small businesses, government, and the private sector. The event was held under the theme 'Fostering purpose-driven research, innovation and entrepreneurship for national development and international engagement' and focused on research addressing unemployment, poverty, and slow economic growth in Namibia. This event will be an annual occurrence across all IUM campuses.