Ounongo Repository

Ounongo means “knowledge” in the Oshiwambo and Otjiherero languages.

The Ounongo Repository (OR) is the institutional repository of Namibia University of Science and Technology.

The OR is administered by the Library, with technical assistance from DTBS, and its aim is to collect, organize, manage, store, preserve, publish and make accessible worldwide, the knowledge assets or intellectual output of the University's researchers, staff and post-graduate students.

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Recent Submissions

  • Item type:Item,
    A doctrinal analysis on enforcement mechanisms and compliance challenges in African continental free trade area: Transport services regulatory framework
    (Research in Business & Social Science, 2026) Nweke, Ogochukwu Chidiebere; Iipumbu, Vistorina; Petrus, Helvi Ndilimeke; Mabuku, Kennedy K
    The purpose of this study was to evaluate the enforcement mechanisms and compliance challenges in Africa’s Continental Trade Regime. This study employed the qualitative doctrinal and policy research design to explore the issue of the enforcement of transport services regulatory matters within the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The study adopted a doctrinal analysis of the AfCFTA instruments with a combination of thematic policy reviews; hence, it relied exclusively on secondary qualitative data obtained from authoritative legal and institutional sources. Primary data sources and materials comprise the AfCFTA Agreement, Protocol on Trade in Services, the Dispute Settlement Protocol, and relevant annexes that govern regulatory cooperation, market access, and nontariff barriers. The data collection procedure involved a systematic desk review and thematic analysis for qualitative studies to analyse the data. The review shows four main enforcement mechanisms of the regulatory framework of transport services under the AfCFTA. These include legal obligations and notification requirements, institutional oversight by AfCFTA bodies, peer review and political accountability, and dispute settlement mechanisms are some of the most outstanding aspects of the AfCFTA Agreement. Factors including regulation fragmentation, the absence of enforcement powers, non-transparency, and restrictive market access conditions, insufficient professional standards in commonality, insecurity, and transport barriers challenges the effectiveness of enforcement mechanisms. The authors conclude that the design of the AfCFTA alone is not adequate in facilitating the opening of the transport service. The study therefore provides pragmatic measures to strengthen the institutional capacity, harmonise the regulations, and monitor compliance better. These reforms can influence the reduction of trade costs, the improvement of supply chain reliability, and the attainment of the AfCFTA's broader aim of economic integration across the continent.
  • Item type:Item,
    From Causes to Action: NUST-Institutional Research Week 27 - 30 October 2026
    (Namibia University of Science and Technology, 2026) Schulz, Stefan
    Files related to the Poster Presentation titled "From Causes to Action" by Dr. Stefan Schulz for NUST Instutional Research Week 2026.
  • Item type:Item,
    Empowering African women: An analysis of selected black female authored biographical texts in post-apartheid South Africa
    (Namibia University of Science & Technology, 2022-04-22) Hamann, Catherine
    This study examined the empowering of African women in selected black female authored biographical texts written in post-apartheid South Africa. Women in South Africa have been disadvantaged largely because of the criminal behaviour of the patriarchal male dominated society. The two texts studied were Khwezi – The Remarkable Story of Fezekile Ntsukela Kuzwayo (Tlhabi, 2017) and No Longer Whispering to Power: The Story of Thuli Madonsela (Gqubule, 2017). The texts were selected because both were written by African female authors and they address contemporary themes that affect the daily livelihoods of women. The texts also represent a true reflection of the difficult challenges encountered by most women in Africa and other parts of the world. The theories of radical feminism as well as trauma and resilience were used in the analysis of the two texts. The study concluded that it is not a waste of resources to educate the girl-child because education is the best method of empowering women. This study has also revealed that a male dominated society can go to any length to disempower women as long as they have the means. Furthermore, the study concluded that the most dehumanising manner of disempowering a woman through rape. Lastly, the study revealed that biographical writing plays a great role to empower women. The impact of literary texts written by women to represent other women serves as an inspiration because it presents real- life stories. Many women are ashamed to speak out, as a result, they suffer in silence. The stories of both Kuzwayo and Madonsela inspired many women to rise above their circumstances. Hence, women should be encouraged to speak out and report cases of rape or any case of injustices committed against them, despite criticism by society. The study recommends that the patriarchal male society should be educated on the rights of women. In addition, the girl child must be accorded the resources and given the necessary support to acquire an education. It is only when a woman is educated that a society can thrive. It is also imperative to encourage more women to write autobiographies even if someone write it on their behalf. This recommendation is an awareness strategy that can help women to share their various experiences.
  • Item type:Item,
    Co-Designing And Implementing Independent Journalism And Archiving With The Indigenous San Community In Donkerbos Through A Self-Sustainable Model.
    (Namibia University of Science and Technology, 2024-08-15) Kaulbach, Peter
    This master thesis explores the impact of a multimedia project in a San community, focusing on podcast episodes and digital storytelling initiatives. The project aimed to amplify the voices and stories of the San people [in Donkerbos] while addressing various topics such as politics, cultural practices, and community projects. Through participatory methodologies, the project engaged community members in the production process, ensuring cultural sensitivity and authenticity. The study responds to the systemic underrepresentation and misrepresentation of San communities in mainstream media, which are often shaped by external perspectives. It investigates the project’s influence on the San community’s awareness, empowerment, cultural preservation, and socio-economic development. It examines the reception of podcast episodes among community members, accounting for their perception and attitude toward the content. Additionally, the thesis explores the effectiveness of digital storytelling initiatives, such as videos on social media platforms, in promoting cultural awareness and challenging stereotypes. Methodologically, the thesis employs a mixed-methods approach, including focus groups, workshops, and content analysis. It draws on theories of indigenous media, participatory communication, and cultural preservation to frame its analysis. The findings show that participants gained technical media skills, expressed increased cultural confidence, and began engaging more actively in the documentation of their community’s stories. Challenges included infrastructural limitations and questions of long-term sustainability. The research contributes to the growing body of literature on indigenous media, community-based research, and cultural preservation. It concludes that participatory multimedia initiatives can enhance cultural resilience and representation, while offering a sustainable framework for community-driven storytelling.
  • Item type:Item,
    Forecasting The Consumer Price Index in Namibia: A Comparative Analysis of Machine Learning and Statistical Methods
    (Namibia University of Science and Technology, 2025-10-02) Elago, Linea.
    In emerging countries like Namibia, accurate forecasting of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is important for evidence-based policy development, effective economic planning, and inflation management. However, despite its importance, there has been limited application of advanced forecasting methods within Namibia’s context. The study addressed this gap by investigating and comparing the performance of traditional statistical methods, AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), Holt-Winters exponential smoothing with machine learning methods, Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) recurrent neural network, and Support Vector Regression (SVR) in forecasting Namibia’s CPI using monthly data from 2013 to 2023. The findings revealed that SVR yielded the lowest Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), indicating higher forecast accuracy compared to other models. The study recommends a shift towards machine learning methods, particularly SVR, for CPI forecasting, given its capability to capture nonlinear trends in economic data. The study further recommends enhancing forecasting methods by incorporating relevant economic indicators such as interest rate, GDP growth, unemployment rate, and government expenditure. The study also emphasises the importance of investing in capacity-building for data science and developing real-time data systems to support policy formulation and CPI monitoring. The research contributes to the growing body of evidence that machine learning can enhance CPI forecasting and decision-making processes in developing countries