Windhoek: Namibia will host Africa's first millimetre-wavelength radio telescope following the signing of a construction contract for the Africa Millimetre Telescope (AMT), a development expected to strengthen the country's role in global astronomical research.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the telescope will be installed near the H.E.S.S. observatory close to the Gamsberg Table Mountain, one of the world's most suitable astronomical locations due to its high altitude, dry atmosphere, and low radio interference.

Once operational, the telescope will be integrated into the global Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) network, a system of synchronised radio observatories around the world that function together as a virtual Earth-sized telescope used to study black holes. The addition of a telescope in Namibia is expected to strengthen the global network by filling a critical geographic gap, improving its sensitivity, and enabling scientists to observe black holes and their surrounding environments with greater detail.

UNAM Vice-Chancellor Professor Kenneth Matengu described the development as a significant milestone for both Namibia and the African continent. 'The Africa Millimetre Telescope represents a significant step in positioning Namibia and the African continent at the forefront of global scientific discovery,' he said. He added that the initiative will not only bring world-class scientific infrastructure to Namibia but will also contribute to the development of research capacity and advanced technical skills.

'Through this partnership, Namibia is not only hosting world-class infrastructure but also developing the skills, research capacity and international collaborations necessary to contribute meaningfully to humanity's understanding of the universe,' he said. The telescope will be built by German engineering company MTX Antenna Technology and forms part of an international collaboration involving institutions such as Radboud University, the University of Oxford, the University of Amsterdam, the University of Namibia, the University of South Africa, and the University of Turku.

Chair of the AMT board and Radboud University professor Heino Falcke said expanding the Event Horizon Telescope network to Africa has long been a scientific ambition. 'The expansion of the EHT network to Africa has been a longstanding dream, which is now becoming a reality,' he said. Beyond its scientific contribution, the project is expected to support skills development in fields such as astronomy, data science, engineering, and high-performance computing.