But, he added, he supported the decision.

The President was speaking at the official inauguration of the Centre at Henties Bay.

He said the Centre illustrated Unam's dedication to social and economic development in Namibia.

"I firmly believe that the best solutions for the developmental challenges that we face should be home-grown.

Our country is endowed with a wide variety of natural resources, but due to the limited availability of scientific expertise and qualified personnel, the benefits of these resources remain hidden."

To fully exploit Namibia's resources for the benefit of the people, a critical mass of scientists and professionals should be trained.

President Pohamba also said more money should be invested in aquaculture initiatives such as farming with abalone and seaweed, which could significantly increase income for the country if exported to countries like Japan.

The founding President of Namibia and Chancellor of Unam, Sam Nujoma, said scientists from developing countries were being lured away to work in industrialised countries.

"Without serious intervention, the current disparity between the developing south and the developed north will continue to grow wider," he said.

In his view, African governments needed to embrace science and technology and adopt more aggressive policies aimed at capacity building, local skills development and intensifying global competitiveness.

"Namibia has an almost unique situation where there is a coastal desert which is adjacent to a nutrient-rich, pollution-free and highly productive ocean that supports a great marine biodiversity.

Our marine waters also contain grossly underutilised resources, such as seaweeds and other marine plants which have great potential towards contributing to the economy, if adequately researched."

In his appeal for financial support from all sectors, Nujoma promptly donated N$5 000 to the centre and challenged other visitors to follow suit.

In a few minutes, pledges amounting to more than N$20 000 were made by various ministers, business owners and individuals.

President Pohamba promised N$5 000.

The Vice Chancellor of Unam, Professor Lazarus Hangula, said the university planned to establish technology parks where research could be turned into commercial projects.

The Tulongeni Vegetable Gardens and the planned mushroom-production House in Henties Bay are examples of this.

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