NUST Researchers Showcase Groundbreaking Water Research at the 26th WaterNet Symposium
The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) made a strong impression at the 26th WaterNet Symposium held in Lusaka, Zambia, from 28 October to 1 November 2025, where several research teams presented innovative studies addressing water and climate challenges across Southern Africa.
The NUST delegation comprised six staff members, including Project Principal Investigators and researchers, together with nine postgraduate students who showcased outputs from multiple institutional and collaborative research projects. These included the WaMiSAR joint project for “Water Security in Africa” (WASA), the SASSCAL Graduate Studies Programme in Integrated Water Resources Management (SGSP-IWRM), ACEWATER III, and Innovate 4 Water, as well as research supported through the NUST Research and Innovation Excellence Scholarship.
In total, 15 oral presentations were delivered, demonstrating NUST’s growing leadership in advancing water, technology, and innovation for sustainable water resources management. The WaMiSAR Project shared findings on Knowledge Platforms to Strengthen Ecosystem Resilience and Water Security in Mining-Affected Regions. The SGSP-IWRM team presented PhD-level research on transboundary water governance, groundwater resilience, and water-quality challenges. Presentations from the ACEWATER III project explored the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) nexus and the role of technology in strengthening climate resilience, while the Innovate 4 Water Project examined household water insecurity and mechanisms for enhancing innovation uptake in Namibian municipalities.
“At the heart of our research is the drive to advance innovation and capacity development that can directly address Southern Africa’s water challenges,” said Dr Vuyisile Dlamini (Innovate 4 Water Work Package Lead). “Through coordinated research efforts and strategic partnerships, we are ensuring that NUST remains at the forefront of knowledge generation and innovation for water security,” added Prof Attlee Gamundani (ACEWATER III Work Package Lead).
NUST’s participation reaffirmed the University’s commitment to research excellence, regional collaboration, and evidence-based solutions that contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 6 and broader climate-resilience efforts across the SADC region. Moving forward, the University will continue strengthening partnerships and capacity-building initiatives that translate research into tangible impacts for communities.
