This study examines the critical role of Science and Technology (S&T) in socio‑economic development, with particular emphasis on Namibia’s need to strengthen its engineering and technical human resource base. International experience demonstrates that mastery of S&T has enabled formerly poor countries such as India, Brazil and China to transform their economies through strategic investment in technological capabilities, research, and innovation. Despite global recognition of the importance of science and technology—including through CASTAFRICA initiatives, the Lagos Plan of Action, and international resolutions—most African countries have struggled to implement effective S&T policies due to limited financial and human resources. Namibia similarly faces challenges in establishing the technical capacity required for industrial development, technological innovation and value‑addition based on its natural resource endowments. The South Commission Report highlights the need for developing countries to build indigenous capacity through targeted policies, engineering education, institutional strengthening, and environments that support innovation and commercialisation. This study reviews Namibia’s current situation and identifies priority areas for technical human resource development, particularly within engineering fields, as a foundation for long‑term economic growth and breaking cycles of technological and economic stagnation.