By: Dwight Links
Namibia’s science-oriented university, NUST, unveiled a new department aimed at developing the creative and innovative spaces of the untapped Namibian economy.
Aptly named the Digital Arts and Animation department, which starts off with short courses, these only signal the first phase of the roadmap for the department. The university’s vice-chancellor, Erold Naomab, said that there are three more phases to anticipate with the growth of the department.
“It was never just about adding new courses. It was about building a long-term, phased ecosystem for creative innovation. And the development of the department is being rolled out in four key phases,” Naomab noted.
“Each of these designed phases is set to respond to our country’s development goals and the real needs of the creative industry,” he added.
The university shared that the first phase (short courses) is meant to provide practical, high-impact skills to professionals already working in the creative and communication sectors of the country.
Phase two will introduce two complete academic programmes. These will be the Bachelor of Digital Arts and Animation and the Bachelor of Film and Television Production.
“These two programmes will offer students comprehensive and future-focused training, which will prepare them for careers that require both technical mastery and strong storytelling abilities,” Naomab explained on the goals of the second phase.
Phase three will see the introduction of specialisations like Gaming and Digital Advertising, while the last phase will see the introduction of Music and Performing Arts.
“The third phase is to participate in the two fast-growing global sectors in which Namibia is ready to participate as both a creator and competitor. While the fourth phase is about completing the department’s interdisciplinary scope and embracing the full spectrum of the creative economy, from visual storytelling to sound, movement, and performance,” the vice-chancellor explained.
Sanet Steenkamp, Minister of Education, Arts, Innovation, Youth, Sports and Culture, explained that the introduction of the new department aims at empowering students and prospective professionals in the creative economy.
“This department speaks directly to the seven outlined national priorities from the government. Empowerment of the youth, strengthening the quality of education and training, and expanding our creative industries,” she stated.
Steenkamp added that this new development is a direct action towards the development of skills that are relevant and globally competitive.
“The Namibia Arts, Culture and Heritage Policy of 2025-2030 highlights the importance of integrating cultural and creative expression with education and economic opportunity,” she explained.
The minister highlighted that the country is rich with landscapes, languages, and traditions.
“We are rich in stories, and it is time we told them in colour, in motion, and in rhythm.”
The Namibian Film Commission vice chairperson, Reagan Malumo, cited that the Namibian film industry has a lack of sufficient animators. Malumo delivered a speech on behalf of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology.
“Around the world, the creative economy has become one of the fastest-growing sectors. It is projected that Africa’s creative industry will contribute billions of dollars to the continent’s economy in the next ten years,” he added.
Malumo shared that extensive work has been done to promote the locally-produced films and other creative productions in the country.
