The Landmark Signing on Gamsberg Mountain

In a momentous event atop Namibia's Gamsberg Mountain in the Khomas Highlands, leaders from the University of South Africa (Unisa) and the University of Namibia (UNAM) formalized a pivotal partnership on 26 February 2026. Unisa's Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Puleng LenkaBula, and UNAM's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kenneth Matengu, signed an addendum to their existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement marks a significant step in Unisa's research expansion across the continent, focusing on the Africa Millimetre Telescope (AMT) project.

The ceremony, held at the future site of Africa's first millimetre-wave radio telescope, symbolized a commitment to African-led scientific innovation. Gamsberg, at 2,347 meters, offers ideal conditions—dry air, minimal light pollution, and stable atmosphere—for cutting-edge astronomy observations.

This collaboration underscores Unisa's strategy to bolster its continental research footprint, aligning with broader goals of fostering pan-African academic ties. For academics and students eyeing research jobs in astrophysics, such partnerships open doors to groundbreaking opportunities.

Understanding the Africa Millimetre Telescope Project

The Africa Millimetre Telescope (AMT) is a 14- to 15-meter class robotic radio telescope designed for millimetre-wavelength observations (230-450 GHz). Unlike optical telescopes that capture visible light, mm-wave instruments peer through cosmic dust to study cold gas clouds, star formation, galactic centers, and supermassive black holes. The project, co-led by Radboud University in the Netherlands and UNAM, aims to fill a critical gap in Africa's astronomical infrastructure.

Construction on Gamsberg began preparations years ago, with an initial budget of around USD 23 million. First light was targeted for 2024 but has progressed steadily, with commissioning phases now accelerated by new partnerships. AMT will integrate into the global Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) network, enhancing resolution equivalent to imaging an orange on the Moon.

Key science goals include contributing to the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT), which famously imaged black holes in M87* and Sagittarius A*. AMT's baseline extension across Africa sharpens these images, enabling dynamic studies like black hole shadows evolving over time.

Unisa's Commitment and Contributions

Unisa has pledged a foundational financial contribution of N$4 million (approximately R4 million South African Rand) alongside technical expertise in telescope operations, data analysis, and research program development. This investment positions Unisa as a key African stakeholder, moving beyond traditional distance learning to spearhead mega-science projects.

As Africa's largest open distance learning (ODL) institution with over 400,000 students from 130 countries, Unisa brings unique strengths: vast human capital, interdisciplinary research capacity, and a focus on inclusive education. Its research output has grown, ranking competitively in Times Higher Education metrics for education studies.

The partnership aligns with Unisa's 2026 academic year theme: "committed to the future of Africa," emphasizing innovation and global-south leadership.Unisa's vision statement

Voices from the Leaders: Quotes and Perspectives

Professor LenkaBula highlighted the symbolic signing: "This partnership reflects a shared investment in African-led research infrastructure, positioning Africa at the forefront of global astronomy." Professor Matengu echoed, "It strengthens our commitment to building world-class research infrastructure on African soil."

These sentiments capture the excitement around capacity building, with UNAM reinforcing its founding role and Unisa expanding its footprint.

Scientific and Technological Breakthroughs Ahead

Millimetre astronomy unlocks phenomena invisible at other wavelengths: protoplanetary disks, molecular clouds, and high-redshift galaxies. Step-by-step, AMT's operations involve:

• Site calibration and geodetic stations for precise positioning.
• Receiver installation for 230 GHz and 345 GHz bands.
• VLBI data correlation with global arrays like EHT.
• Real-time monitoring via remote robotics.

Integration with nearby H.E.S.S. gamma-ray observatory creates a multi-wavelength hub, advancing multimessenger astronomy.

Building African Capacity in STEM

Beyond hardware, the partnership prioritizes skills transfer. Unisa and UNAM will collaborate on postgraduate training, technician programs, and public outreach. This addresses Africa's astronomy challenges: limited infrastructure, funding shortages, and brain drain.

Opportunities include fellowships for data science in astrophysics, vital for analyzing petabytes of VLBI data. Aspiring researchers can explore postdoc positions or career advice tailored to such projects.

Unisa's Broader Continental Engagements

This Namibia tie-up builds on Unisa's Africa Research Charter, launched in Namibia in 2024 with over 120 signatories. Other collaborations include UNESCO-Unisa Africa Chair in Nanoscience, RUFORUM MoUs, and ACDE seminars.

• Multi-country symposiums with NAMCOL (Namibia) and Botswana Open University.
• Strategic partners in nanoscience across Africa.
• Global digital tech conferences fostering intra-African links.

Challenges in African Astronomy and Solutions

Africa hosts world-class sites like SKA in SA, but mm-wave facilities lag. Challenges include:

• Funding: Reliant on international grants.
• Infrastructure: Power, roads to remote sites.
• Human capital: Few PhD-level astronomers.

AMT counters via local ownership, Unisa's ODL model for training, and public engagement to inspire youth. Economic ripple: Tech jobs, tourism, knowledge economy boost.

Future Outlook and Timelines

Telescope assembly ramps up in 2026, first light by 2027-2028. EHT observations could follow soon after. Long-term: African VLBI array expansion, youth STEM pipelines.

For South African higher ed, this exemplifies NEP-like reforms for internationalization, research-led growth.

Career Opportunities in Astrophysics

This partnership heralds jobs in telescope ops, data analysis, instrumentation. Unisa's adjunct program (863 new in 2026) and research chairs welcome experts. Check university jobs and South Africa academic positions for openings.

Implications for South African Higher Education

Unisa's move counters capacity crises, with 2026 unplaced students surging. International collabs enhance rankings, attract funding. Positive for academic careers.

Conclusion: A Brighter Horizon for African Science

The Unisa-Namibia partnership via AMT propels Africa into frontier astronomy, fostering self-reliance. Explore more at Rate My Professor, Higher Ed Jobs, Career Advice, and University Jobs.

Photo by Samuel Regan-Asante on Unsplash