07/09/2026
NCRST Participates in the Innovation Agencies in Africa (IAA) Network Peer-to-Peer Learning Exchange Visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) was represented by Ms Amoré Scholtz and Mr Charles Hangara at the IAA Network Peer Learning Exchange held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 25 to 27 August 2026.
The IAA Network connects African innovation agencies to facilitate peer learning, knowledge exchange, joint programming and collaboration. For this exchange, the NCRST and the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) were matched with the Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MInT) of Ethiopia based on shared institutional learning needs.
The three-day exchange was organised by the IAA Network Secretariat and hosted by MInT Ethiopia. The programme, opened by Mr Selamyhun Adefris, CEO of the Innovation Development Directorate at MInT, explored Ethiopia’s Startup Act, startup designation, innovation financing, incubation, commercialisation, technology development and ecosystem coordination, providing insights into the policy and institutional mechanisms supporting Ethiopia’s innovation ecosystem.
As part of the practical learning component, the delegations visited the Information Access Center, Ethiopian ICT Park, Innobiz-K Ethiopia, NUNA Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute and Creative Hub Ethiopia to gain first-hand insights into Ethiopia’s approaches to technology, artificial intelligence, incubation and innovation support. The visits enabled the delegations to observe how these institutions operate in practice and identify approaches that could be adapted to strengthen their respective innovation ecosystems.
For NCRST, the exchange provided practical lessons that can inform the Commission’s work to strengthen Namibia’s innovation ecosystem, particularly in relation to innovation hubs, incubation, technology development, artificial intelligence, policy and support for innovators and startups. The knowledge gained will assist NCRST in identifying relevant approaches, policies and institutional practices that can be adapted to the Namibian context, while the connections established with peer institutions provide opportunities for continued knowledge sharing and collaboration across Africa.
The exchange concluded with a closing and reflection session led by H.E. Dr Bayisa Bedada, State Minister at MInT, where the participating agencies reflected on the lessons gained and discussed opportunities for continued cooperation through the IAA Network.
Through the IAA Network, NCRST continues to connect Namibia with African innovation agencies, creating opportunities to learn from approaches and policies being implemented across the continent and adapt relevant practices to strengthen Namibia’s innovation ecosystem.
