A major international conference is taking place this week at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) where delegates are exchanging views on the most pressing issues faced by countries in the southern African region. Hosted by NUST, the fourth Southern Africa Regional Science Association (SARSA) Conference started in Windhoek on Wednesday 22 July 2026. Also during the opening session, the Regional Science Association was officially ratified as an affiliate of the umbrella regional science body, the Regional Science Association International (RSAI). “The relevance of this conference lies in its timely focus on the interconnected challenges that continue to shape the development trajectory of southern Africa. It is therefore encouraging that regional development discourse is increasingly moving to approaches that prioritise inclusivity, resilience and sustainability.