Climate Change and Futures in Africa Conference 2025 opens in Windhoek
Date: 2025-10-30
By: Kanto Kai Okanta
The 2025 Climate Change and Futures in Africa Conference opened in Windhoek under the theme “Risk in Time and Space,” bringing together leading scientists, policymakers, and innovators to explore new approaches to building climate resilience across the continent.
Delivering
the keynote address, the Right Honourable Dr. Elijah Ngurare, Prime Minister of
Namibia, emphasised that the ability to generate, share, and apply knowledge
empowers societies to anticipate risks and turn challenges into opportunities.
The Prime Minister, himself a scientist, underscored the importance of
collaboration between research institutions and communities in addressing
Africa’s climate vulnerabilities.
Prof.
Jacob Nyambe, Chairperson of the National Commission on Research, Science and
Technology (NCRST), welcomed participants and set a collaborative tone for the
conference. NCRST CEO Prof. Anicia Peters, together with Prof. Sarah Mosoetsa,
CEO of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), outlined the conference’s
mission to strengthen the links between science, policy, and local experience.
Speaking
on behalf of Hon. Dr. Sanet Steenkamp and Hon. Dino Ballotti, Dr. Lisho Mundia,
Deputy Executive Director at the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth,
Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC), highlighted the crucial role of science,
innovation, and youth empowerment in fostering climate resilience and
addressing challenges such as food security and flood management.
The
first day featured two technical sessions: “Charting Climate Action through
Innovative Methodological Approaches,” co-chaired by Dr. Mkhokheli Sithole of
NUST Zimbabwe and Ms. Lovisa Immanuel of MEIYSAC Namibia; and “Essential Skills
and Services to Transform Research Capabilities,” chaired by Dr. Wilfred Lunga
from HSRC South Africa.
Discussions
throughout the day focused on bridging the gap between research and
implementation, promoting African-led climate strategies, integrating
indigenous knowledge with modern science, empowering youth, and investing in
local readiness and innovation.
Jointly
organised by the HSRC and NCRST, the conference continues over the next two
days, fostering dialogue and partnerships aimed at transforming Africa’s
approach to climate resilience and sustainable development.
