Swakopmund: The University of Namibia (UNAM) is preparing to launch the country's first locally developed degree programmes in Marine Engineering and Maritime Science, aimed at addressing a critical skills gap in the country's blue economy. As part of the process, the university on Thursday hosted a high-level stakeholder consultation workshop in Swakopmund to validate and refine the new curricula. The event brought together government officials, industry regulators, academia, and international partners to ensure the programmes are internationally benchmarked and responsive to national development priorities.

According to Namibia Press Agency, UNAM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kenneth Matengu, said the university had envisioned the establishment of a School of Marine Systems Engineering since 2017, recognising the urgent need to train Namibians in specialised maritime professions. 'Despite our long coastline and growing offshore activities, Namibia still has no locally trained marine engineers and no accredited maritime science programme. This is a strategic gap we aim to close,' he said.

UNAM's Jos© Eduardo dos Santos Campus Director, Professor Petrina Johannes, noted that the two qualifications, Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Maritime Science, have been in development for several years in consultation with industry stakeholders, regulators, and education authorities. 'Our aim is to ensure that these programmes are not only academically sound but also practically relevant,' Johannes explained. She emphasised that Namibia cannot afford to produce graduates whose skills do not match market needs. 'We often hear that higher education institutions produce qualifications that do not respond to the needs on the ground; that is why we are here to co-develop these programmes together.'

Initially, the university had proposed a Bachelor of Science in Maritime Engineering, but feedback from regulators led to the restructuring of that programme into a Bachelor of Science in Maritime Science, with a stronger focus on navigation. The Marine Engineering programme was also revised to better comply with both the International Maritime Organisation standards, specifically the Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping Convention, and the Engineering Council of Namibia's requirements. The first student intake is targeted for 2027, pending all required approvals.

UNAM's Head of Department for Nautical Science Alwyn Geyser said the programmes were benchmarked with global institutions including Solent University, Durban University of Technology, and Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute. Dr Isaac Anima of the Regional Maritime University highlighted Ghana's experience, stressing infrastructure, government support, simulators, and shipboard training.