Ambassador Sergio Vigoa de la Uz held a working meeting with Hon. Dino Balloti, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, and Culture, to discuss topics of interest in various fields as part of the collaboration strategy between Cuba and Namibia.
University study options in the Greater Antilles were among the topics of interest, given the importance of training a qualified workforce in priority sectors for this African nation.
The ambassador commented to Mr Balloti on the excellent initiative in this area by the Ministry of Works and Transport, which last year sent a group of 33 young people to study Architecture, Electrical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering, in addition to postgraduate courses in these specialties.
The Deputy Minister expressed his interest in enabling young Namibians to study in Cuba through various avenues, taking advantage of the opportunity to receive training in an educational system recognized worldwide for its high standards.
In the area of culture, the diplomat discussed the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry's idea of producing a film about the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, the script of which has already been written. This project could play a strategic role in Namibia, in line with the provisions of the SWAPO Government Manifesto and the country's Development Plan for the coming years regarding the development of the film industry.
The Cuban diplomat explained President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's recent participation in the United Nations, where she presented the idea of building a film city and taking advantage of the filming history of several blockbuster movies in Namibia.
In the area of sports, another area the ministry is working on, the Namibian official discussed his interest in hiring Cuban coaches in various sports, based on Cuba's potential in this area and the country's needs.
The ambassador raised the idea of incorporating Namibian national teams into the training camps offered by Cuba, with the aim of facilitating more comprehensive preparation.
Vigoa de la Uz presented the Deputy Minister with an invitation to attend the 15th International Congress "University 2026," which will be held in Cuba from February 9 to 13, 2026.
Also present at the meeting were Isabel Katjavivi, Deputy Director: Arts Promotion and Creative Industry, Directorate of Arts; Teador Shigwedha, Culture Officer: Directorate of National Heritage and Culture Programmes.; Ellen Ndeipanda, Chief Education Officer: Development Cooperation, Planning and Development Directorate; and Anton Langerman, Chief Sport Officer: Directorate of Sport Development.