The National Council Standing Committee on Education, Science, ICT and Youth Development emphasised predictable and adequate financing is essential to maintaining quality education, supporting research institutions and creating an enabling environment for innovation.

The Councillor of the Okahandja Constituency and MP Bethuel Tjaveondja said this when motivating the report of the committee's engagement with key education stakeholders at Otjiwarongo last month.

Tjaveondja said these measures will help ensure that Namibia's education and innovation systems do more than produce graduates by nurturing problem-solvers, innovators, entrepreneurs and future leaders capable of contributing meaningfully to a knowledge-based economy.

"The committee recommends urgent action by strengthening industry-university partnership. Number two, by expanding science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and access to rural regions. Three, investing in accredited laboratories in AI hubs. Number four, harmonising legislation governing higher education and protecting indigenous knowledge."

Tjaveondja further stated that the Committee's engagement at Otjiwarongo highlighted Namibia's potential in education, science and innovation and identified reforms required to unlock that potential.

He said the government's efforts must be guided by Namibia's Vision 2030 and the NDP6 by investing sustainably, strengthening the legislative framework and ensuring that education and innovation systems are responsive to the needs of the economy.