Health and Social Services Minister Dr Kalumbi Shanngula says nuclear technology has the potential to solve many economic and social problems.
Dr Shangual said this at the first National Conference on Nuclear Science and Technology in Windhoek.
The two-day conference aims at sharing information, knowledge, and experience about the status of nuclear science and technology in different sectors in Namibia.
It will also look into the latest technological trends in nuclear science and technology, to create awareness and highlight the positive aspects technology offers to society.
Namibia has put in place an enabling legal and policy framework for the development of nuclear science and technology.
These include the enactment of the Atomic Energy and Radiation Protection Act.
Dr Shanngula says the conference will also focus on how technology can provide solutions to the development challenges faced in day-to-day life.
"Namibia has made progress in improving its regulatory architecture for nuclear and radiation safety and security. This is to ensure compliance with international treaties, conventions, regulations, and standards in radiation safety, security, and safeguards. It underpins our commitment to fulfill our national obligations in the area of nuclear non-proliferation and provides assurance that all nuclear materials and activities within national borders are exclusively for peaceful uses."
Dr Shitaleni Herman is a local nuclear medicine specialist.
"We serve as an advisory body to the government on matters related to atomic energy and nuclear science and technology with regard to the protection of the environment, the protection of the people, and the benefit that we can derive from this science and technology as a people and as a country."
The conference will discuss nuclear, radiation-based technologies in the health sector, the nuclear fuel cycle, food and agriculture, industry, education, training, and research.
The conference is held under the theme "Nuclear Science and Technology as Catalyst for Development in Namibia."