WINDHOEK: Minister of higher education, technology and innovation, Itah Kandjii-Murangi-Murangi on Wednesday announced the implementation of the Bioeconomy strategy, which was approved by Cabinet in November 2019.

The strategy will run from 2024 to 2029. The acceleration of biotechnology to national development can contribute to poverty alleviation, and catalyze sustainable economic development, Kandjii-Murangi said.

Kandjii-Murangi was speaking during the inauguration of a space council launched by the National Commission on Research Science and Technology (NCRST), where she stressed that from 2019, her ministry, in cooperation with the NCRST and with the financial and technical assistance of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the Bioeconomy Multisectoral working group, coordinated the development of the National Bioeconomy Strategy.

The production, utilization, conservation and regeneration of biological resources, including related knowledge, science, technology, and i
nnovation form part of the strategy.

‘The bioeconomy strategy is anchored in key stakeholder-identified sectors of the country that immensely contribute to economic growth, namely; health, agriculture, and natural resource/environment. In line with the Revised Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy 2020, the bioeconomy strategy implementation will ensure the promotion of research and development in biotechnology and bio-based industries,’ Kandjii-Murangi-Murangi added.

According to her, the strategic initiatives set out in the strategy are aimed at promoting opportunities for smallholder farmers, rural communities, and marginalised groups to participate in and benefit from bioeconomic activities in improving climate-affected agricultural production.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency