• In the bilateral cooperation between the Governments of the Republic of Namibia and the Federal Republic of Germany, it was agreed, among others, to support the environment and tourism sector
• Germany, through KfW Development Bank, provided financial support to the extension of the UNAM Katima Mulilo Campus
• The cooperation included the development of related academic and research programs, and the construction of the Department of Wildlife Management and Tourism Studies

On 5th November 2024, the UNAM Katima Mulilo Campus Extension was officially inaugurated by his Excellency Dr. Nangolo Mbumba, the President of the Republic of Namibia. This important event was witnessed by the Hon. Dr. Itah Kandji[1]Murangi, Minister of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Lawrence Sampofu, Governor of Zambezi Region, his Excellency Dr. Thorsten Hutter, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Vice Chancellor of UNAM, Prof. Dr. Kenneth Matengu.

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The new facilities will host the Department of Wildlife Management and Tourism Studies (DWMTS). The DWMTS at Katima Mulilo Campus was established in 2012 with an intent to provide high quality-education in teaching, research and advisory services to students, local and regional institutions, and communities. The rationale is mainly to protect and conserve wildlife, use natural resources sustainably, develop competitive tourist destinations and contribute to the economy. The goal of the Department is to create demand-oriented qualifications for wildlife management related fields for Namibian and SADC students that are adapted to the needs of potential future employers in government, industry, and civil society. To ensure practical training of students, the surrounding parks and tourism establishments are integrated into the teaching.

Committed in 2015, the financial grant from the German cooperation was mainly initiated for infrastructure development and expansion of the DWMTS. This initiative allows UNAM to exemplify an image and ideal of excellence in the field of Wildlife Management and Ecotourism education and research sector. The programme and respective educational extension would act as a beacon to the countries of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) transboundary management of natural resources and the structures of protected areas in the SADC region.

The buildings intend to blend well in its surrounding nature and match the topic of studies hosted. To achieve this, the Namibian architects from Deon Pretorius Architects use sustainable materials, environmentally friendly building technics like rainwater harvesting and elevated walkways between the buildings to allow undisturbed nature underneath. On the other side, the facilities host modern laboratories and study areas for an improved learning environment. The Katima Mulilo Campus extension will have a capacity for 120 students. The seven new buildings host lecture rooms, laboratories, a library as well as dining facilities and offices.

In a second phase of the project, the extension will include accommodation facilities for students and visitors as well as a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant. The project is also providing support to the academic and human resource development of the DWMTS.

The project is supported through the Namibian – German bilateral cooperation. The German side provides an overall EUR 17 Mio (app. NAD 323 Mio) for the two phases of the project. The Namibian side contributes another EUR 3 Mio (app. NAD 57 Mio).

Currently, German Development Cooperation is supporting the enhancement of tertiary education in Namibia with two projects. Besides funding to extend the UNAM Campus in Katima Mulilo for the Department of Wildlife Management and Tourism Studies, the Jose Eduardo dos Santos Campus in Ongwediva saw the construction of the German Wing as well as supporting hostel facilities and practical workshops.

German Development Cooperation 1990 – 2024

From 1990 until present, the funding provided to Namibia as part of German Development Cooperation (grants and loans) amounts to approx. EUR 1.6 billion (approx. NAD 32.3 billion). The KfW portfolio under current implementation comprises over 40 projects with a total funding volume of EUR 788.6 million (approx. NAD 15.4 billion), while future projects with a total funding volume of approx. EUR 123 million (approx. NAD 2.4 billion) are under preparation.

About UNAM

The University of Namibia is the leading tertiary institution in Namibia, dedicated to providing quality education, research, and community engagement. With 12 campuses across the country, UNAM strives to empower students with the skills and knowledge to contribute to Namibia’s social and economic development. UNAM is ranked 24th among the top 100 universities in Africa, out of more than 2,500 institutions on the continent, and is the only university in Namibia to be featured in The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings for 2023, 2024 and 2025.

www.unam.edu.n