Namibia Hosts Hybrid Information Session on EU Funding Opportunities for Higher Education
On Wednesday, 27 May 2026, the University of Namibia (UNAM) Main Campus in Windhoek hosted a hybrid information session on EU Funding Opportunities for Higher Education Institutions, focusing on Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programmes. Held at the Library Auditorium with virtual participation via Zoom, the event successfully convened representatives from Namibian higher education institutions, government bodies, funding agencies, and international partners. The session aimed to strengthen awareness and understanding of European Union funding opportunities available for academic and research institutions in Namibia, fostering strategic partnerships essential for advancing the country's higher education and research landscape.
The programme opened with welcoming remarks from distinguished speakers including Dr. J. Ndinoshiho, Acting Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development at UNAM; Mr. Ian Dupont, Deputy Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Namibia; Prof. S. Lendelvo, Director of the Centre for Grants and Resource Mobilisation; and representatives from the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport and Arts Culture (MEIYSAC) and the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST). Speakers emphasized the critical importance of international collaboration, research innovation, and strategic partnerships in advancing higher education and sustainable development in Namibia, while highlighting the strategic significance of EU-Africa and EU-Namibia cooperation in research and innovation (R&I). The session featured expert presentations from European institutions, including Dr. Jenny Lind Elmaco (Key Expert for the European Commission's Erasmus+ National Focal Points) who provided an overview of Erasmus+ opportunities; Ms. Dora Czifra (Policy Officer, European Commission DG-EAC, MSCA Unit) who presented Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions funding for doctoral education, postdoctoral positions, and staff exchange; and Ms. Elena Olmos from Universidad de Alicante who shared practical guidance on preparing competitive Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education applications.
The second half focused on Horizon Europe funding mechanisms, with Dr. Yedilfana Setarge Mekonnen, regional representative for EURAXESS Africa and Associate Professor at Addis Ababa University, delivering a comprehensive overview of Horizon Europe and EURAXESS Africa services. He emphasized the importance of Namibian institutions actively participating in the Africa Initiative IV under Pillar 2 and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) and European Research Council (ERC) programmes under Pillar 1, while highlighting the critical role of research collaboration networks, proposal quality, and institutional preparedness in successfully accessing European research funding. Participants demonstrated strong engagement throughout the discussions, reflecting significant interest in expanding Namibian institutional participation in EU-funded programmes.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Anders Djurfeldt, Programme Manager at the EU Delegation to Namibia; Ms. Annastasia Sinalumbu, Erasmus+ National Focal Point; and Mr. Kelvin Katukula, Horizon Europe National Focal Point. The session proved highly informative and beneficial, providing Namibian participants with practical guidance, valuable networking opportunities, and enhanced awareness of funding avenues available through Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe. The organizers expressed sincere appreciation to all speakers, participants, and partners whose contributions ensured the success of this important event for Namibia's higher education and research community.