International Cooperation in the Areas of Nuclear Science
The International Atomic Energy Agency is the specialist UN Agency that support its members states to acquire nuclear technology for developmental purpose. This is pursued through its Technical Cooperation Programme, which promotes tangible socio economic impact in areas where the peaceful application of nuclear technology holds a comparative advantage.
The Technical Cooperation Programme is tailored to meet the specific needs of Member States and responds to the evolving needs and priorities of Member States through capacity building, transfer of nuclear technology, and the sharing of knowledge among Member States. Some examples of the past and current projects that have contributed in the context of Namibia’s development priorities are cited below.
Nuclear Science and Technology Technical Cooperation in Namibia
Namibia and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) dates to 1990 soon after independence. The total assistance provided in monetary terms since then is 5,912,250 (EUR) or 82,771,500 N$. This includes amongst others 106 long terms fellowships; 28 scientific visits; over 700 training at workshops/meetings, 241 expert missions, and equipment.
One of the cornerstones of the IAEA TC programme is to promote sustainability and self-reliance in nuclear science and technology. Despite the long-standing technical cooperation with the IAEA sustainability and self-reliance continues to be the major stumbling block to enhanced contribution of nuclear science and technology in Namibia.
Some of the challenges facing nuclear science and technology in Namibia the retention of skilled staff, lack of national infrastructure, absence of a national institution to sustain and maintain technology utilization, and low investment in nuclear science and technology.
Hence the current initiatives to establish a Nuclear Science and Technology Centre or Institute that will support research, development and innovation in nuclear science and technology and through which nuclear technology can be deployed sustainably.
