Rosalia Haufiku, an electronics engineering student at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, was recently honoured with an award at the Africa Youth in Tourism Summit (AYITS), marking her as one of the top three finalists at continental level.
This recognition solidifies her status as the first Namibian to achieve such a remarkable feat on the continental stage.
The 6th AYTIS & Challenge took place from 29 to 31 May in Windhoek. The summit, hosted by Africa Tourism Partners in collaboration with UNWTO and BDO, serves as the premier pan-African event for youth and start-ups in the tourism industry.
Haufiku’s achievement stems from her project, Secure Environmental Data Acquisition Portal (SEDAP), aimed at streamlining the Environmental Management Plan audit system. SEDAP incorporates automated data-collection and reporting, Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration for compliance monitoring and a user-friendly interface, revolutionising the traditional audit process.
“My motivation stemmed from witnessing the challenges tourism establishments face in maintaining compliance with environmental regulations. The manual processes are often time-consuming and costly, which can deter smaller operators.
“The main challenge was developing a system that is both comprehensive and user-friendly. Ensuring the AI integration accurately predicts compliance risks was another significant hurdle, requiring extensive testing and refinement,” she explained.
Reflecting on her journey, she emphasised the importance of adaptability, continuous learning and effective communication, lessons learned from her experience in the Innovation Challenge. She envisions SEDAP making a significant impact on environmental management practices in Namibia and beyond, promoting sustainability and innovation on a global scale.
“I envision SEDAP significantly improving compliance rates by simplifying the audit process. In Namibia, it can help tourism establishments adhere to environmental regulations more efficiently, promoting sustainable practices. Globally, it can serve as a model for integrating advanced technologies into environmental management, potentially leading to broader adoption and innovation in the field,” she said.
The AYTIS & Challenge is the leading platform for showcasing innovative ideas and solutions in the travel, tourism and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) industries across Africa. It offers a unique opportunity for youth and start-ups to present their projects for review and adjudication by a distinguished panel of industry leaders.
Smita Francis, her lecturer at Nust, said Haufiku has consistently demonstrated exceptional performance in her coursework and projects throughout her studies.
“From the second year onward, she has maintained high academic standards, often scoring in the top percentile of her class. Her projects have always been thorough, well- researched and innovative, reflecting a deep understanding of engineering principles and an ability to apply them creatively. Her work is characterised by meticulous attention to detail, strong analytical skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
“One notable example of her excellence is her project at the Diploma in Electronics Engineering level. Rosalia and Angel were assigned a project to Design a QR code for the Nust Hotel School Booking system. This group had to sit at Nust Hotel School, do their groundwork and research, and get the required details and design.
“This project stood out for its practical application, innovative approach and comprehensive analysis. She has demonstrated excellent project management skills, from conceptualisation to execution, and her work was highly praised by both her peers and the review panel,” she said.
Francis added that she is indeed a proud lecturer, and Haufiku has demonstrated a profound commitment to her field of study and future profession in several ways. She has actively participated in the Namibia Women in Engineering Outreach activities, seminars and mentorship programmes.
“I look forward to the day when I see her in Times Magazine African CEO Under 30 and prospering,” said Francis while wishing her all the best.
