Lydia Sageus
The University of Namibia (Unam) library has received 131 books through the Read Japan Project, an initiative of the Nippon Foundation facilitated by the Embassy of Japan in Namibia.
The official handover ceremony took place recently at Unam in Windhoek.
Speaking at the event, the Unam pro-vice chancellor for academic affairs, Frednard Gideon, described libraries as “fundamental to human development and the advancement of society.”
He thanked the Japanese delegation and Ambassador Shinichi Asazuma for their continued support of Namibian education.
“Your presence here reflects the enduring partnership and mutual respect between our two nations. This event celebrates more than the donation alone. It is a celebration of bilateral exchange, academic partnership, and global solidarity,” he said.
The Read Japan Project first supported Unam in 2017 and returned in 2024, making the university one of the few African institutions selected twice.
The donation, valued at N$40,999, includes English-language books on Japanese politics, society, culture, foreign relations, literature, and art.
Japanese ambassador to Namibia, Asazuma Shinichi, said the 131 books were selected by a panel of experts.
“Today, a total of 131 books, worth 3,336,450 Japanese Yen, will be donated to the University of Namibia. These books were carefully selected by a panel of experts and cover five key sectors/subject areas: foreign and international relations, economy and business, society and culture, literature and art, and history,” he said.
He also mentioned growing ties with the university, including events like the Japan Film Festival and Japanese institutions’ participation in academic exchanges.
“Through this donation, we hope our amicable bilateral relations between Japan and Namibia will be enhanced steeply,” he added.
Unam vice chancellor Kenneth Matengu welcomed the books and affirmed the university’s strong partnership with Japan.
He highlighted collaborations with institutions such as Kobe, Hokkaido, and Tohoku universities.
“Unam has benefited incredibly by working with Japanese universities such as Kobe, Hokkaido, and Tohoku. These institutions have helped us strengthen our research capabilities and ensure relevance in our scientific pursuits,” he said.
He also recognised the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for funding research and training Namibian scholars.
“More than 15 Namibians, who hold PhDs from this university, have been trained in Japan,” he said.
University librarian Joseph Ndinoshiho thanked the embassy and the Nippon Foundation.
“These books are meant for the students. This shows your commitment, Your Excellency, to associating with the University of Namibia,” he said. “We are extremely grateful to the Nippon Foundation and the people of Japan for this selfless donation.”
