The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), through the Harold Pupkewitz Graduate School of Business (HP-GSB), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AgriBank. The agreement, signed in Windhoek, is a collaboration for research, skills development, and resource sharing to drive innovation and sustainability in Namibia’s agricultural sector.
The partnership seeks to combine academic expertise with industry insights to develop sustainable agricultural practices and financial solutions tailored to the needs of the sector. Through joint research initiatives, the collaboration aims to support farmers, agribusinesses, and policymakers in strengthening Namibia’s agricultural landscape. Moreover, the agreement will empower NUST staff and students, as well as AgriBank clients and mentors, by equipping them with the necessary skills to navigate the evolving agricultural environment effectively.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, AgriBank Chief Executive Officer Dr. Raphael Karuaihe highlighted the significance of the collaboration. 
“This collaboration between AgriBank and NUST, through the Harold Pupkewitz Graduate School of Business, is an investment in the future of Namibia’s agriculture. Beyond the signing of an agreement, we are actively shaping the growth of agribusiness through research, skills development, and the sharing of resources”, he added. 
Echoing these sentiments, Harold Pupkewitz Graduate School of Business Director Dr. Hylton Villet emphasized the importance of industry-academia collaboration in driving progress. “At NUST, we believe that strong partnerships between education and industry foster meaningful transformation. This agreement with AgriBank is a bold step toward empowering Namibia’s agricultural sector and fostering innovation,” he stated.
Dr Villet highlighted the fact that agriculture in Namibia contributes around 5% of the national Gross Domestic Product though 25% to 40% of Namibians depend on subsistence agriculture and herding. The agricultural sector in Namibia is a critical part of the economy, employing about 70% of the population, primarily in subsistence farming. In this regard, the business School is pleased to collaborate with AgriBank in order to impart critical organizational and business skills to empower farmers to run farms as a business.
“Our big dream should be to ‘graduate’ a sizable portion of subsistence farmers to commercial farmers to ensure a huge impact on our economy. With this information as a background, the HPGSB is excited to enter into a collaborative agreement with the AgriBank”, Dr. Villet added.
The Memorandum of Understanding will remain in effect for three years from the date of signing, with an option for renewal upon expiry.