The Sustainable Strategies in Higher Education Internationalisation Towards Excellence in Namibia(SHINE) Project was officially launched on Wednesday, 25 March 2026 at UNAM , Hage Geingob Campus. Prof. Kenneth Matengu, Vice Chancellor of the University of Namibia, delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Dr Sanet Steenkamp, Honourable Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture.

The launch brought together Namibian higher education institutions, namely the University of Namibia (UNAM), Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), the International University of Management (IUM) and Welwitchia University, alongside the Namibia National Students Organisation (NANSO), the Government of the Republic of Namibia through the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture(MEYSAC) and as well as the European partner universities,namely the University of Alicante(Spain) and Universität des Saarlandes (Germany).

The key focus areas of panel discussion and key note address revolved around issues related to :

• Strengthening institutional capacity for internationalisation

• Enhancing graduate employability through aligned academic systems

• Promoting sustainable higher education development practices

• Facilitating collaboration between Namibian and European institutions

Ambassador Ana Beatriz Martins, EU Delegation to the Republic of Namibia, delivered a powerful message, affirming that through Erasmus Plus, the European Union continues to invest in people-to-people connections, academic excellence and international cooperation in higher education. She emphasised that SHINE stands as a truly people-centred partnership, reflecting the spirit of Erasmus Plus by building bridges between institutions, countries and people through education and knowledge. She further underscored that the Namibia–EU relationship is grounded in shared values, mutual respect and a common commitment to sustainable development and opportunity for future generations.

MEYSAC has committed to rigorous monitoring and evaluation of the SHINE Project to ensure successful implementation and continued alignment with NDP6 priorities.

The launch is over and it is now time for implementation. Real work begins now.