By Koviao Matuzee
NCAA has set itself apart from other institutions by being the first company to sponsor the Pharmacy Students Society Namibia’s (PSSN) for the 14th International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF) African Pharmaceutical Symposium (AfPS 2026), giving Namibian pharmacy students an opportunity to learn from their counterparts across Africa and explore solutions to the country’s healthcare challenges.
The symposium, held in Kigali, Rwanda, from 20 to 24 July, brought together students from about 28 countries to discuss pharmaceutical innovation, research, leadership and the future of Africa’s health systems.
Namibia was represented by PSSN president Kauanda Mbaru and secretary of information and publicity Penna Shilumbu, who attended on behalf of the society’s 104 current members from the University of Namibia’s School of Pharmacy.
Their participation was made possible through NCAA’s sponsorship of their registration fees under NCAA’s CSI.
This was revealed at a certificate of appreciation handover from PSSN to NCAA held recently.
Mbaru said the symposium exposed the delegation to different approaches to pharmaceutical development and encouraged them to consider how lessons from other countries could be applied to Namibia.
Themed around the future of Africa’s health system, youth engagement and innovation, the symposium included discussions on research, leadership development, pharmaceutical manufacturing and preparedness for future pandemics.
“We were looking at how we can develop our country, especially in the pharmaceutical sector. As much as we learn from what is happening across the world, we also need to bring those lessons home and ask ourselves how we can introduce innovation in Namibia,” Mbaru said.
He further said that the discussions highlighted the need for Namibia to strengthen pharmaceutical research and explore local medicine production, particularly amid concerns about medicine shortages and reliance on external suppliers.
The students also participated in activities promoting public health awareness, including a campaign against falsified medicines.
They said they hoped to introduce a book-drive initiative they encountered at the symposium to support learners in disadvantaged communities.
Shilumbu described the experience as valuable, saying securing sponsorship had been challenging before NCAA stepped in.
“It was such a great experience. We had so many discussions and activities, and we are grateful that NCAA came through for us. It was difficult to get sponsors, and their support made it possible for us to represent Namibia,” Shilumbu said.
The delegation said the symposium also strengthened its interest in pharmaceutical research, manufacturing and student exchange programmes that could provide exposure to specialised training and international industry experience.
Mbaru said PSSN hopes to send a larger delegation to the next symposium in Zambia and expand its reach to pharmacy students at other Namibian institutions.
The society is also working towards full membership of IPSF, which would allow greater participation in the federation’s decision-making structures and create opportunities for Namibian students to contribute to international pharmaceutical discussions.
According to PSSN, the sponsorship was more than an opportunity for two students to travel abroad.
The society hopes to turn the knowledge gained in Kigali into practical initiatives that strengthen pharmaceutical education, public awareness and Namibia’s healthcare system.
NCAA acting manager for stakeholder engagement and communication and senior manager safety promotion and quality George Matroos said supporting the students aligned with the institution’s commitment to youth development and empowering young people to contribute to national development.
“The youth will have to carry the legacy of this country. That is why it is important for us to involve them and make sure they are empowered in whatever way possible,” Matroos said.
He added that NCAA considered initiatives that could benefit both the recipients and the wider community.
According to PSSN, the sponsorship was more than an opportunity for two students to travel abroad.
The society hopes to turn the knowledge gained in Kigali into practical initiatives that strengthen pharmaceutical education, public awareness and Namibia’s healthcare system.
