Allexer Namundjembo
Leaders from government, academia and regional institutions have called for stronger collaboration between researchers and policymakers to address southern Africa’s growing urban, economic and environmental challenges at the opening of the 4th Southern Africa Regional Science Association (SARSA) Conference in Windhoek.
The three-day conference, hosted by the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) at its Lower Campus, has brought together delegates from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to discuss this year’s theme, “Reimagining Regional Development Futures: Pathways toInclusive, Resilient and Sustainable Growth in Southern Africa.”
At the conference opening, Windhoek mayor Sakarias Uunona said cities face increasingly complex challenges that require evidence-based solutions and stronger partnerships between local authorities, universities, industry and communities.
“We are confronted daily with rapid urbanisation, climate change, unemployment, housing shortages, infrastructure demands and the need for efficient and inclusive service delivery,” Uunona said. “These challenges cannot be addressed by the government alone.”
The mayor highlighted the City of Windhoek’s partnership with NUST, established through a memorandum of understanding signed in 2019, describing research and innovation as key to improving governance, municipal planning and the quality of life for residents.
He said universities generate the knowledge needed to shape public policy, while cities provide practical environments where research can be tested and translated into real-world solutions.
“In many respects, our cities serve as living laboratories where innovation becomes action and where research can directly improve the lives of our citizens,” he said.
Uunona also stressed the importance of regional cooperation, noting that issues such as climate resilience, migration, water security, transport, logistics and environmental management extend beyond national borders and require coordinated responses.
He encouraged delegates to use the conference to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships and develop practical policy recommendations that will contribute to sustainable development across Southern Africa.
NUST acting vice-chancellor Andrew Niikondo says the conference comes at a critical time as Southern Africa grapples with rapid urbanisation, climate change, persistent inequalities and the need for economic transformation.
He said these interconnected challenges require integrated, evidence-based and collaborative solutions that prioritise inclusivity, resilience and sustainability.
“As scholars, policymakers, industry leaders and development practitioners gather here over the coming days, this conference provides a vital platform to exchange knowledge, challenge conventional thinking and co-create practical solutions,” Niikondo said.
He reaffirmed NUST’s commitment to research that produces practical solutions capable of informing policy, supporting investment and contributing to national and regional development.
Niikondo also acknowledged the university’s partnerships with SARSA, the Regional Science Association International (RSAI), the City of Windhoek, GIZ, government ministries, local authorities and development partners, saying such collaborations ensure research delivers meaningful societal impact.
He described the conference as more than an academic gathering, but a platform for building partnerships and ensuring research contributes directly to society.
The SARSA Conference runs from 22 to 24 July and is expected to feature discussions on regional planning, urban development, infrastructure, economic competitiveness, climate resilience and sustainable growth across southern Africa.
