Finance Minister Erica Shafudah has described the University of Namibia (UNAM)'s Veterinary Academic Hospital as a national asset critical to economic development, public health, and scientific innovation.

Speaking at the Open Day, Shafudah stressed that investing in veterinary medicine extends beyond education.

She described it as a strategic investment in public health, agriculture, and the economy.

Shafudah said the government remains committed to advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, as well as research and development, to drive industrialisation and economic transformation.

The Finance Minister pointed to the university's successful testing and implementation of an oral rabies vaccine for kudus as an example of locally developed scientific solutions with national significance.

She said veterinarians play a vital role in controlling zoonotic diseases, preventing pandemics, ensuring food safety, and protecting Namibia's livestock export industry.

"Their knowledge and decisions will affect farmers, families, businesses, and industries far beyond the boundaries of this campus. We are proud of the progress that has been made thus far. However, an institution of this nature is developed over time. Its infrastructure must grow, its technology must remain current, and its teaching, research, and clinical capacities must continue to grow and improve.”

UNAM's Vice Chancellor, Keneth Matengu, stated that the role of the Veterinary Academic Hospital is to provide world-class clinical training for students while advancing research and delivering quality veterinary service to the public.

The government invested N$60 million towards the project, while the African Development Bank injected N$38 million.