A joint technical committee will steer a new academic collaboration between the Fisheries Observer Agency (FOA) and the International University of Management (IUM) following the signing of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding yesterday.
The agreement lays out a structured plan to enhance the country’s marine resource management through education, training, and research initiatives.
The joint technical committee will specify technical details, track progress, and assess funding needs for planned activities.
FOA chief executive officer Stanley Ndara signed the MoU with IUM vice chancellor Osmund Mwandemele.
Ndara noted that this marks the first formal partnership between the two institutions and that the agreement will be reviewed every two years or as needed.
The partnership encompasses thirteen thematic areas, including internship placements, curriculum development, data sharing, and co-authored research.
All activities align with national development goals and aim to boost skills within the fisheries sector.
Ndara announced an immediate outcome of the MoU: two IUM students will begin a six-week internship with FOA in Walvis Bay today.
He explained that the interns will gain hands-on experience in fisheries operations, observer deployment, and scientific data collection.
Ndara added that FOA plans to host four IUM students each year for the same six-week internship at its offices in Walvis Bay and Lüderitz.
He emphasized that the practical training will give participants a competitive edge when job opportunities arise, underscoring a direct link between academic study and work readiness.
Moreover, he highlighted a broader purpose for the partnership: this MoU should be viewed not as charity but as a significant responsibility to help Namibia grow using native resources and local talent.
The agreement also opens doors for collaborative research projects, staff exchanges, access to FOA facilities, and community outreach, establishing a foundation for long-term cooperation between FOA and IUM.
