Inauguration of New UNAM Facilities in Katima Mulilo for Wildlife Management and Tourism Studies

• 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 extend 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 Hon. Dr. Itah Kandji-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 Prof. Dr. Kenneth Matengu, Vice Chancellor of UNAM.

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

Committed in 2015, the financial grant from the German cooperation primarily targeted infrastructure development and the expansion of DWMTS. This initiative allows UNAM to exemplify excellence in Wildlife Management and Ecotourism education and research, positioning the program as a model for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in transboundary management of natural resources and protected areas.

The buildings are designed to blend well with their natural surroundings, in keeping with the topic of studies hosted. Namibian architects from Deon Pretorius Architects used sustainable materials, environmentally friendly building techniques like rainwater harvesting, and elevated walkways between buildings to allow undisturbed nature underneath. The facilities also feature modern laboratories and study areas for an enhanced learning environment. The Katima Mulilo Campus extension has a capacity for 120 students. The seven new buildings include lecture rooms, laboratories, a library, dining facilities, and offices.

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

This project is supported through Namibian–German bilateral cooperation. Germany provides EUR 17 million (approximately NAD 323 million) for the two project phases, while Namibia contributes an additional EUR 3 million (approximately NAD 57 million).

Currently, German Development Cooperation is enhancing tertiary education in Namibia through two major projects. Besides the Katima Mulilo extension, Jose Eduardo dos Santos Campus in Ongwediva benefited from the construction of the German Wing, supporting hostel facilities and practical workshops.

German Development Cooperation (1990–2024)

From 1990 to the present, funding provided to Namibia as part of German Development Cooperation (grants and loans) amounts to approximately EUR 1.6 billion (approx. NAD 32.3 billion). The current KfW portfolio comprises over 40 projects with total funding of EUR 788.6 million (approx. NAD 15.4 billion), with future projects totaling EUR 123 million (approx. NAD 2.4 billion) 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 empowers students with 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, and is the only university in Namibia featured in The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings for 2023, 2024, and 2025.

Contact Information:

• German Embassy Windhoek
  Tel.: +264 61 273 100
  Email: presse@wind.diplo.de
• UNAM
  Simon Namesho
  Tel.: +264 81 218 3723
  Email: snamesho@unam.na
• KfW Office Windhoek
  Tel.: +264 61 411 400
  Email: kfw.windhoek@kfw.de