Africa-Press – Namibia. Vice President (VP) Lucia Witbooi yesterday inaugurated the Analytical Laboratory Services (ANALAB) Building in the capital.
Officiating at the event, Witbooi said the laboratory’s growth reflects the kind of development Namibia needs – one that creates jobs, builds skills and gives young people real opportunities.
She noted that ANALAB now employs about 34 staff members, with nearly 60% being youth, a major increase from just four employees when the institution started in 1997.
“What started as a small, determined team has grown into a technically skilled and respected institution,” Witbooi said.
She said the new facility complements ANALAB’s existing laboratory in Walvis Bay and comes at a key time as Namibia pushes forward with Vision 2030 and the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6).
The country aims to diversify its economy, move beyond raw materials, and create high-value products, a process that depends on strong scientific infrastructure.
ANALAB, the (VP) continued, plays a quiet but essential role in daily life.
For instance, farmers rely on the laboratory for soil testing and feed assessments, ensuring better crop yields and livestock health.
“More so, food and cosmetic producers use their services for quality checks before products reach the market,” she added.
“Additionally, local authorities and households depend on ANALAB for safe, reliable water testing, while the mining sector uses its analyses to manage resources efficiently and protect the environment,” Witbooi said. She continued that the new building strengthens Namibia’s capacity to meet international standards, support industrial growth and protect natural resources.
“Scientific infrastructure is economic infrastructure,” she said, noting that accurate testing helps local producers compete in regional and global markets, advance value addition and boost innovation.
She then called on scientists, industry leaders, regulators and development partners to use the facility with integrity, excellence and creativity.
She said the laboratory should serve as a hub for youth, a driver of economic growth and a source of national pride.
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