Finnish Southern Africa Cooperation Institute-FSAI

05/10/2026

Thank You for Making Our Point-of-Care Diagnostics Seminar a Success!

On 28 September 2026, the Finnish Southern Africa Cooperation Institute (FSAI), together with FinNam Research Academy and the University of Namibia, hosted our one-day seminar:

POINT-OF-CARE DIAGNOSTICS: THE PRESENT AND FUTURE POSSIBILITIES

Held at the Namibia Scientific Society in Windhoek, the seminar brought together experts and participants to explore how innovations in diagnostic technologies can contribute to better and more accessible healthcare.

The discussions explored a range of important issues, including point-of-care technologies, tuberculosis diagnostics, maternal and child health, sexually transmitted diseases, multianalyte diagnostic panels and data integration.

We are deeply grateful to our presenters who generously shared their expertise: Prof Iida Martiskainen, Prof Antti Hakanen, Prof Mareli Claassens, PhD Janne Koskinen, Prof Jussi Mertsola and Dr Cara Mia Dunaiski.

Special appreciation also goes to our session chairs, Prof Kalervo Väänänen and Prof Olli Vainio, and everyone who contributed to the panel discussion and organisation of the seminar.

To everyone who attended: thank you! Your participation, questions and contributions made the seminar worthwhile.

At FSAI, we believe that some of the strongest solutions emerge when people from different countries, institutions and disciplines have opportunities to learn from one another.

🇫🇮 🤝 🇳🇦 Linking Finland and Southern Africa to improve health.

We look forward to continuing these conversations and transforming new connections into meaningful collaborations.

21/09/2026

Today's seminar reminded us of the power of combining smart farming with indigenous knowledge here in Namibia. 🌱

Thank you to everyone who came, shared, and contributed to the discussion. Together, we are advancing the conversation around climate-resilient food systems and sustainable livelihoods.

The conversation doesn't end here. We carry it forward by deepening our understanding, strategizing collectively, and sharing knowledge on how best to support our indigenous communities, driving real change through collaborative projects that turn solutions into action. 🌍

21/09/2026

Today's seminar reminded us of the power of combining smart farming with indigenous knowledge here in Namibia. 🌱

Thank you to everyone who came, shared, and contributed to the discussion. Together, we are advancing the conversation around climate-resilient food systems and sustainable livelihoods.

The conversation doesn't end here. We carry it forward by deepening our understanding, strategizing collectively, and sharing knowledge on how best to support our indigenous communities, driving real change through collaborative projects that turn solutions into action. 🌍

12/09/2026

150 young Namibians. One exciting future.

What an incredible three days at the UNAM Career & Employment Fair 2026!
A huge thank you to every student and graduate who visited the FSAI stall. We’re especially
excited that 150 young people have already registered their interest in our Digital Skills &
Employability Skills Development Programme, launching this November.
This is more than a training programme—it’s about equipping Namibia’s youth with the digital,
communication, and workplace skills needed to thrive in the future of work.
To employers, donors & partners: Join us in creating opportunities through mentorships,
internships, and collaboration.
Follow FSAI for registration updates and be part of the movement shaping Namibia’s next
generation of professionals.

🚀 WANT TO JOIN THE EMPLOYABILITY BOOTCAMP?
Sign up for our WhatsApp group for updates and registration info:
👉 ‎Open this link to join my WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JeEe46cSBXQ1qZdS3klhuW?mode=gi_t

12/09/2026

At FSAI, we believe that preparing young people for the future of work requires more than
qualifications alone. Practical digital competencies, communication skills, professionalism, and
workplace confidence are essential for meaningful employment and long-term career success.
We also welcome collaboration with employers, donors, and institutions interested in supporting
youth employability through mentorship, internships, partnerships, or programme sponsorship.
Together, we can create stronger pathways from education to employment.

🚀 WANT TO JOIN THE EMPLOYABILITY BOOTCAMP?
Sign up for our WhatsApp group for updates and registration info:
👉 ‎Open this link to join my WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JeEe46cSBXQ1qZdS3klhuW?mode=gi_t

12/09/2026

What an incredible three days at the UNAM Career & Employment Fair 2026!
A huge thank you to every student and graduate who visited the FSAI stall. We’re especially excited that 150 young people have already registered their interest in our Digital Skills & Employability Skills Development Programme, launching this November.
This is more than a training programme—it’s about equipping Namibia’s youth with the digital, communication, and workplace skills needed to thrive in the future of work.
To employers, donors & partners: Join us in creating opportunities through mentorships, internships, and collaboration.
📲 Follow FSAI for registration updates and be part of the movement shaping Namibia’s next generation of professionals.

12/09/2026

150 young Namibians. One exciting future.

What an incredible three days at the UNAM Career & Employment Fair 2026!
A huge thank you to every student and graduate who visited the FSAI stall. We’re especially
excited that 150 young people have already registered their interest in our Digital Skills &
Employability Skills Development Programme, launching this November.
This is more than a training programme—it’s about equipping Namibia’s youth with the digital,
communication, and workplace skills needed to thrive in the future of work.
To employers, donors & partners: Join us in creating opportunities through mentorships,
internships, and collaboration.
�� Follow FSAI for registration updates and be part of the movement shaping Namibia’s next
generation of professionals.

🚀 WANT TO JOIN THE EMPLOYABILITY BOOTCAMP?

Sign up for our WhatsApp group for updates and registration info:

👉 ‎Open this link to join my WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JeEe46cSBXQ1qZdS3klhuW?mode=gi_t

20/08/2026

In Kapako Constituency, one of the poorest constituencies in Namibia's Kavango West Region, the Finnish Southern Africa Cooperation Institute (FSAI), in collaboration with the University of Namibia (UNAM), has launched an ambitious project to contribute to the constituency's prosperity through a community gardening and agricultural development initiative. The project builds on earlier UNAM research into drought, food security and household coping strategies, which found that agriculture-dependent and female-headed households are hit hardest by climate shocks, and that most coping is driven by fear rather than planning. FSAI and UNAM have already completed a community visioning and sensitisation process in the constituency, meeting with the Councillor of Kapako, the Governor of Kavango West, and the Traditional Authority (the Hompa), and facilitating a Community Visioning Workshop with twenty community beneficiaries, where residents identified smarter agriculture, educated youth and improved household income as their vision for the next two years. The resulting Agriculture Development Project will rehabilitate a borehole, install solar-powered irrigation, and provide fencing, land clearing and training — directly benefiting around fifty households — with land for the project already secured.
The initiative has been endorsed at every level consulted, and the community's own Constituency Development Committee has registered an association to oversee it and ensure it delivers lasting impact rather than a short-lived project. FSAI now invites partners and funders to join this noble effort to help finalise the resources needed to bring the project to life and expand its impact to address the community's wider needs, including safe water, electricity and youth skills training. Interested organisations and individuals can contact Dr Sarudzai Simango, Director, FSAI, at the details provided on our website.

https://fsai.fi/en/be-part-of-building-cooperation-between-finland-and-southern-africa/

16/06/2026

As winter tightens its grip across Namibia, the Finnish Southern Africa Cooperation Institute (FSAI), in partnership with TentCity, is proud to launch "Operation Winter"– a charitable initiative rooted in compassion, solidarity, and the spirit of Ubuntu.

Operation Winter is more than a donation drive; it is an expression of love, care, and our shared responsibility to support one another during the coldest months of the year. Through this initiative, warm clothing, blankets, toys, and food donations will be distributed to charitable homes and vulnerable communities in Windhoek and other areas where support is most needed.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the families, individuals, and well-wishers who have already contributed towards this noble cause. Your generosity demonstrates that when communities come together, we can bring warmth, hope, and dignity to those facing difficult circumstances.

As we begin the distribution phase, we remain inspired by the kindness and humanity shown by our supporters. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of many.

There is still time to contribute. If you would like to donate warm clothes, blankets, toys, food items, or other winter essentials towards Operation Winter, please contact the Finnish Southern Africa Cooperation Institute offices. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us reach more people in need.

Together, let us keep the spirit of Ubuntu alive this winter!

09/06/2026