Young Innovators Take Centre Stage at Namibia’s 3rd Annual STEAM Expo

Young Innovators Take Centre Stage at Namibia’s 3rd Annual STEAM Expo. The Bank of Namibia, in partnership with Mindsinaction, has successfully hosted the 3rd Annual STEAM Expo, bringing together learners from across the country to present innovative solutions to real socio-economic and environmental challenges within their communities. The event provides a platform for young innovators to showcase original ideas designed to address practical problems affecting daily life.

This year, 18 learners presented their projects, which were evaluated by independent judges who selected the top entries based on their design, functionality, and potential impact. Mureti Secondary School received first prize for developing a Human–Elephant Conflict Prevention Device aimed at helping reduce dangerous encounters between communities and elephants.

Martin Luther High School secured second place with a vehicle-mounted animal detection device designed to reduce night-time road accidents involving animals. Onamutai Secondary School placed third for presenting an improved Mahangu harvesting machine featuring additional functions beyond existing equipment. Romanus Kamunoko Secondary School took fourth place with a Journalism App that enables communities to report issues directly for media investigation.

Through the Expo, the Bank of Namibia reaffirmed its long-term commitment to youth development, innovation, and national capacity building. The initiative demonstrates how early exposure to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics helps equip young Namibians with skills, confidence, and creativity to address real-world challenges.

Organisers say the Expo continues to highlight the role of practical learning in shaping future problem solvers and supporting the country’s broader development goals. By providing learners with an opportunity to present solutions grounded in their own experiences, the platform encourages critical thinking and collaboration. The competition also creates space for dialogue between educators, innovators, and institutions invested in strengthening Namibia’s future workforce. With each edition, participants bring forward new ideas that reflect local realities while demonstrating the growing potential of youth-driven innovation across the country today and beyond tomorrow.