SmartVille project partners visited Namibian partners in November 2025

The last week of November 2025 was dedicated for the “Developing Sustainable and Entrepreneurial Villages through Educational Living Labs in Namibia and Zambia – SmartVille” project partners’ visit to Namibia to attend the Dissemination week events of the project. The week was hosted and organized by University of Namibia (UNAM) and Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) project teams. As one of the goals of the project is to foster social inclusivity in rural under-served communities in Namibia and Zambia by offering entrepreneurship education through technological environments, the Living Labs, commissioning events were organized to hand over the Living Labs to the local communities. (LAB 2025).

Commissioning events at Nauaspoort and Mix Settlement

On Monday a Commissioning event took place at the UNAM’s Living Lab site in Nauaspoort. Speeches were heard from Associate Dean Prof. Veikko Uahengo, UNAM’s Project manager Dr. Samuel Nuugulu, the Project Coordinator Mia Ekman, and the Constituency Development Committee member Mr. Sagarias.

In addition, testimonials were heard from the community members how the SmartVille project has contributed to their lives. Course certificates were handed over to the community members that had completed the informal course created for the community by SmartVille project team. A community tour took place after the ceremony, and the project team was priviledged to visit young entrepreneur Michael’s (who expressed himself with enthusiasm how useful he had found the informal courses in determining the profitability of the business) ranch. 

On Tuesday a similar event was held at the Mix Settlement Living Lab site hosted by NUST. NUST Project manager Ms. Helvi Ileka together with Mix Settlement community leader Ms. Julia Bashir welcomed guests and the community members. The community leader at Mix Settlement described Living Lab’s establishment in the community being as “dynamite” brough into the community. The Project Coordinator Mia Ekman emphasized in ger speech the importance of education and directly addressed the youth of Mix Settlement: “Education can open many doors allowing you to make a difference in shaping your future. If you don’t believe in yourselves, no one else will.” LUT University’s Project manager, Associate Professor Antti Pinomaa at LUT School of Energy Systems, gave an overview of the technical specifications of the Living Lab site.

The testimonials from the community members at both sites were awakening; the work that the course teachers in the project have done is amazing. Community members at both sites expressed their gratitude and appreciation not only for having the Living Lab, but for the entrepreneurship education trainings in helping them manage their businesses in a profitable manner.

Both of the Living Labs are equipped with solar system providing electricity to computer devices, internet connectivity, freezers, printing devices and other equipment such as hair clippers.

Innovation challenge; providing solutions for real-life client cases

A student innovation challenge took place during the week with students from UNAM and NUST working in mixed teams for two clients. The innovation challenge was conducted by Senior Lecturer Ville Lehto (LAB University of Applied Sciences) together with NUST lecturers Ms. Selma Iipinge and Mr. Moses Shuuya. The students were given challenges the companies were facing in their business operations to innovate solutions for overcoming these challenges. Student teams presented the solutions they came up with to the company representatives, and a jury gathered to decide which team’s solutions were the best for the client. The ambition and creativity of the students was remarkable. Solutions they created for the clients were brilliant.

 In the evenings, the team engaged in joint dinners and productive discussions. The program included a visit to Penduka’s women’s centre, where local women presented their craftwork, highlighting its role in economic sustainability and women’s empowerment. Additionally, participants had the opportunity to join a voluntary safari, observing Namibian wildlife such as crocodiles, antelopes, wildebeests, giraffes, zebras, and rhinos. The experience was enriched by a sunset picnic, offering memorable views of the surrounding mountains.

References

LAB. 2025. Developing Sustainable and Entrepreneurial Villages Through Educational Living Labs in Namibia and Zambia. Project websites. LAB University of Applied Sciences. Cited 22 Nov 2025. Available at https://lab.fi/en/project/developing-sustainable-and-entrepreneurial-villages-through-educational-living-labs-namibia