Namibia’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Inge Zaamwani, has been appointed Chairperson of the Council of Ministers of the Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL).
Her appointment was confirmed on 12 March 2026 during the 4th Ordinary Meeting of the Council held in Gaborone, Botswana. Namibia previously served as Vice Chair of the Council before assuming the leadership position.
Speaking after accepting the role, Zaamwani said Namibia remains committed to advancing SASSCAL’s mandate of supporting climate change research and adaptive land management across the region.
“It is with a deep sense of humility and honour that, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Namibia, I accept the responsibility bestowed upon me to serve as Chairperson of the Council of Ministers of the Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management for the next two years,” she said.
Zaamwani said the Council would prioritise strengthening cooperation with the Federal Republic of Germany, SASSCAL’s principal funding partner, to secure continued financial support for regional research programmes and the implementation of SASSCAL Strategy 3.0.
“A strong and predictable partnership framework will be essential to safeguard ongoing programmes, scale up impactful research and position SASSCAL as a leading regional centre of excellence in climate change and adaptive land management,” she said.
She also paid tribute to the outgoing chairperson, Botswana’s Minister of Environment and Tourism Wynter B. Mmolotsi, commending his leadership and the strategic direction provided to the organisation during his tenure.
“Under his tenure, the Council provided clear strategic direction to the Governing Board and Management,” Zaamwani said.
Looking ahead, Zaamwani outlined Namibia’s priorities during her term, highlighting the need to strengthen institutional sustainability and improve financial compliance among member states.
“During my tenure, I will advocate for member states to ratify the SASSCAL Treaty and urge them to honour their financial obligations. Institutional sustainability and credibility are anchored in the collective responsibility of its member states,” she said.
SASSCAL is a regional research initiative that supports scientific collaboration on climate change, environmental management and sustainable land use across southern Africa.
