Namibia: slow progress, but good news ahead

A report on Namibia's technological progress in Allafrica.com cites that country's outdated patent legislation as a cause for concern. According to the Ministry of Trade and Industry, 95 percent of patent and design applications are filed from South Africa, only five percent being submitted by local Namibians. The report also comments on the minimal level of collaboration between the country's tertiary educational institutions (the Polytechnic of Namibia -- whose crest reads 'Technology and Development' -- and the University of Namibia) and the industry on collaborative research projects. On the brighter side. Namibia's current shortage of scientists and engineers is being addressed through the newly adopted Educational and Training Sector Improvement Programme (ETSIP) and the provision of increased R&D funding to enable more junior professionals to receive advanced training and mentorship.