On May 2, 2024, the University of Namibia (UNAM) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with Kraatz Engineering—a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group—and the Welding Association of Namibia. This strategic partnership aims to bridge the skills gap in Namibia’s engineering sector by integrating practical training into academic curricula, launching a new welding engineering programme at UNAM, and fostering innovation through joint research and industry-academia collaboration. The initiative includes internships, job shadowing, and academic-industry forums, positioning Namibia as a future hub for engineering excellence and sustainable development.