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The University of Namibia (Unam) has broken new ground on the African continent, launching the first International Welding Engineer programme in Africa. It is a qualification that sits at the top of the global welding certification system and is uniquely positioned to serve the industrial demands of Namibia’s emerging green hydrogen, oil and gas and mining sectors.
The programme was introduced on 13 April 2026 at Unam’s José Eduardo dos Santos Campus in Ongwediva under the framework of the International Institute of Welding, with an inaugural cohort of 12 students. It is offered in partnership with the Association for Welding and Allied Processes of Namibia and has attracted direct scholarship support from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research with ten scholarships secured under the RealTest Project with a further 30 to follow.
Unam’s Vice Chancellor Kenneth Matengu described the launch as a defining moment. “This programme is a defining achievement not only for Unam but also for Namibia and the African continent. It demonstrates our commitment to producing industry-ready graduates who can compete globally while addressing local development priorities. Through this initiative, we are strengthening Namibia’s position in emerging sectors such as green hydrogen and advanced manufacturing,” said Matengu.
The industry backing is substantive. Kraatz Engineering Managing Director Frank Kernstock, who chairs WeldNAM, said the sector has long felt the shortage acutely. “For years, the industry has faced a shortage of highly qualified welding coordinators. This programme addresses that gap. We are proud to invest in developing Namibian expertise that will support our growing industrial sectors. The company has sponsored two students in the first cohort,” noted Kernstock.
International Institute of Welding President Thomas Boellinghaus highlighted what makes the programme globally distinctive. “This initiative reflects strong international collaboration and support. The programme’s integration with green hydrogen applications makes it unique globally,” said Boellinghaus.
In conclusion, Paul Kah from University West in Sweden added that, “The high-level welding engineering education of this calibre remains rare in Africa. This programme is a pivotal step in positioning Namibia and the continent, within the global industrial landscape.”
