Keynote Speaker

Biography

Prof. Matengu is a Vice Chancellor at the University of NAMIBIA since August 2018. Prior to this, I was the Pro/Vice Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Development at the University of Namibia. I specialised in innovation diffusion, technology and development policy. I have served as a Steering Committee member of the Southern Africa Innovation Support Programme, and reviewed several SADC countries’ innovation systems. Among many national assignments, as professor of Research and Development Studies, Multidisciplinary Research Centre, University of Namibia, I have led several national development assignments including being the Lead Technical Expert on KRA 7 of NDP3 “Knowledge-Based Economy”. I play an active and key role in the development of innovation and product development systems at UNAM in particular and in Namibia in general. My research interest includes innovation, technology policy and development, conservation and law enforcement, access and equity in education, higher education governance and management. I have published articles, books and book chapters on tourism, community-based natural resources management, decentralization of rural water supply and local government as well as on higher education coordination.