The National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) says it has mobilised a total of N$91.1 million to advance national scientific and technological development.
According to the NCRST’s Integrated Annual Report for 2024/25, the Commission secured N$45 million in government funding for operational expenditure and an additional N$46.1 million through external grants, partnerships and sponsorships.
These funds supported programmes in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy and innovation-driven entrepreneurship.
Despite higher programme costs, the NCRST achieved a 94% execution rate for both operational and external budgets, while maintaining an unqualified audit opinion for the year.
“Financial stewardship remained a priority and NCRST achieved once again an unqualified external audit opinion. Furthermore, NCRST successfully mobilised NAD 46.1 million cumulatively in external funding in addition to the government budgetary allocation of NAD 45 million for operational expenditures,” the report stated.
During the year, the NCRST recorded an 82% stakeholder satisfaction rating, a 76% awareness level of its mission, and a 72% brand audit score, reflecting growing public trust in the institution’s leadership.
Key achievements included the launch of the Sustainable Bioeconomy Strategy (2024–2029), the Second National Programme on Research, Science, Technology and Innovation (NPRSTI-II), and the National Research and Experimental Development Survey.
The Commission also established the National Indigenous Knowledge Systems Council (NIKSC) and an Artificial Intelligence Working Group, while partnering with UNESCO to conduct Namibia’s first AI Readiness Assessment. Namibia further gained continental recognition when the NCRST was appointed co-lead of the Innovation Agencies of Africa (IAA) Network.
In addition, the Commission resumed work on the long-delayed National Biotechnology Testing, Training and Research Laboratory (NBTTRL) project, which had been on hold since 2016.
The project progressed with the completion of the Environmental Impact Assessment, fencing and topographical work, marking a key milestone towards establishing Namibia’s biotechnology hub.
“NCRST held a ground-breaking ceremony to commence the fencing of the site for its capital project, as this project had been stalled since 2016,” the report noted.
Operationally, the NCRST accelerated its digital transformation efforts through the automation of its Finance Approval System, enhancement of the Online Grant Management System and digitalisation of the National Science Fair platform.
Public participation in science outreach increased sharply, with entries for the National Science Fair doubling, while Namibia earned its first medal at the Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad.
The report also highlighted the Commission’s continued work in promoting inclusive innovation through the National Innovation Challenge for Women (NICW), youth STEM initiatives and grassroots innovation programmes aimed at empowering local entrepreneurs and researchers.
Looking ahead, the NCRST plans to implement the NPRSTI-II, expand the country’s research infrastructure, enhance AI and digital transformation frameworks, and mobilise additional resources to strengthen Namibia’s innovation ecosystem.
