The National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) says there is a critical need to bolster research and development (R&D) capabilities, especially in the context of the burgeoning oil and gas sector.
NCRST Chief Executive Officer Professor Anicia Peters underscored the concentration of existing researchers in human sciences, highlighting the urgency of diversifying expertise to encompass STEM disciplines vital to the nation’s growth.
She further highlighted the need for an expanded pool of skilled researchers and greater collaboration between institutions to ensure sustainable growth in this vital industry.
“We have only 3,000 full-time researchers in the country,” Peters stated, emphasising the critical shortfall in the research workforce.
“If you look at our global competitiveness indexes, you always see that Namibia gets criticised for not having enough full-time researchers per capita.”
Peters pointed out that the existing pool of researchers primarily focuses on human sciences, rather than the STEM fields crucial for the current demands of industries like green hydrogen and oil and gas.
She emphasised the urgency of addressing the skills gap and the importance of a coordinated effort across various sectors to avoid duplication.
“Now, for green hydrogen, we’re running around, conducting value chain mapping and skills gap analysis,” Peters told a recently held oil and gas event.
“But now, we’re coming back to the same people, saying we need the same for oil and gas. We also need value chain mapping and critical skills mapping. We should harmonise these efforts.”
She cautioned against repeating this pattern each time a new industry emerges, such as nuclear energy, stressing the need for a strategic and unified approach.
Regarding the potential for offshore oil and gas, research and development centres outside Namibia, Peters emphasised the necessity of conducting research within the country.
Local researchers are uniquely positioned to address specific questions related to Namibia’s environment, climate, and societal impact, making in-country R&D indispensable.
“The climatic conditions offshore of Namibia impact us differently,” Peters noted, adding that “There are many questions that need to be answered here, and it’s not just about technical expertise but also understanding the surrounding context”.
The Professor mentioned ongoing efforts to enhance research capacity across various institutions, including vocational training centres, and to establish specialised research centres and equipment, such as the one focused on geosciences at the southern campus.
“Coordination and addressing pertinent questions are crucial,” Peters emphasised.
When asked about timelines for significant progress in R&D, Peters clarified that the National Research Agenda runs for three years, aligning with the development plan.
The ultimate target is to review it by 2030, taking into account the evolving research landscape, including emerging sectors like oil and gas.
She underscored the need for dedicated funding mechanisms, such as an R&D levy, to ensure sustainability in R&D efforts.
She also mentioned a draft program for oil and gas research and highlighted the importance of international partnerships and knowledge exchange.
