The Namibia University of Science and Technology and Tampere University of Finland have taken the next step in their agreement signed more than two years ago to construct and establish an aviation center at Keetmanshoop.
The goal of the AiRRhow Centre of Excellence for Civil Aviation for Africa is to foster skills development in the aviation value chain and tackle the unique challenges faced by civil aviation in Africa, including limited infrastructure, regulatory barriers, and safety concerns.
“Civil aviation in Africa has unique challenges, such as limited infrastructure, regulatory barriers, and safety concerns. Therefore, such a center could prompt the design and manufacturing of aircraft, aircraft maintenance, airline operations, air traffic control, ground handling, airline marketing and sales, and regulation,” said NUST Vice Chancellor Dr. Erold Naomab.
The establishment of the center stands to boost the African aviation sector, which largely relies on tourism, by supporting economic growth, regional integration, and improved connectivity. A series of feasibility workshops will determine the resources needed and address the current skills gap.
According to Minister of Works and Transport, John Mutorwa, the initiative cements the promotion of public-private partnership cooperation and fosters sustainable and innovative civil aviation-related training and education in Namibia.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) outlines that the parties will conduct a feasibility study on establishing a center of excellence for civil aviation, including institutional technical, academic, and economic viability.
“Following the feasibility study, a draft business plan of a center of excellence for training and education of civil aviation in Namibia will be formulated to conduct a separate study of physical and digital learning environments, to promote job creation, and to expand local/regional value addition within the civil aviation sector,” states the MoU.
Industry experts say that the establishment of the center in Namibia will not only increase training in a variety of aviation technologies but also drive several economic activities.
