Allexer Namundjembo
The Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) and the Road Fund Administration (RFA) have signed a research collaboration agreement to address funding and sustainability challenges in Namibia’s road sector.
The agreement was signed on Monday in Windhoek.
RFA chief executive officer Ali Ipinge said the road sector faces a funding gap of about N$3.7 billion for the 2025/26 financial year.
“While this reflects an improvement from the previous year, it remains at a level that we must consider alarming,” Ipinge said.
He said a temporary 50% fuel levy reduction will reduce RFA revenue by about N$300 million over three months, adding pressure on road maintenance and development.
Ipinge said the agreement with Nust will support solutions based on research, including alternative funding models and long-term planning.
“This memorandum of agreement is not just a partnership; it is a commitment to sustainable, evidence-based solutions for Namibia,” he said.
The RFA will contribute about N$2 million each year over five years to support research and innovation in the road sector.
Nust acting vice chancellor Andrew Niikondo said the partnership will link academic research with industry needs.
“This partnership reflects a shared vision to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry application,” Niikondo said.
He said Nust will provide research through its directorate of research, innovation and partnerships, while the RFA will provide industry data and technical input.
The agreement will focus on alternative revenue sources, climate-resilient infrastructure financing, cost management in road construction and maintenance, and strengthening technical capacity.
Ipinge said the sector is also looking at measures such as road user charges, alternative financing, public-private partnerships and debt instruments to address the funding gap.
No timelines or detailed implementation plans were provided at the signing.
