MR & MS STEM 2025 Competition Launches to Champion Youth Leadership in Science and Innovation

MR & MS STEM 2025 Competition Launches to Champion Youth Leadership in Science and Innovation. The 2025 edition of the MR & MS STEM competition was officially launched this afternoon by Executive Director Lydia H. Indombo, reaffirming Namibia’s national commitment to inclusive innovation and youth empowerment through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The competition, now gaining momentum as a key initiative in youth development, is aimed at identifying and nurturing talented young individuals in STEM fields, while promoting leadership, communication skills, and gender inclusivity.

Speaking at the launch, Indombo emphasized the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to implement gender-responsive policies and remove structural barriers that prevent equal participation in innovation. “This platform aligns with our goal of transforming social norms and ensuring that both young women and men have the opportunity to thrive in leadership and science-driven careers,” she said.

The Ministry is working in collaboration with the National Council for Research, Science and Technology (NCRST), MEIYSAC, and other stakeholders to ensure the competition not only celebrates STEM excellence but also drives awareness of critical development issues, particularly around education and equity.

Indombo commended NCRST for spearheading an initiative that “elevates youth voices, challenges stereotypes, and inspires a generation of future leaders.”

Participants in the MR & MS STEM 2025 competition will undergo assessments beyond academic knowledge, including public speaking, teamwork, and problem-solving—equipping them to serve as STEM ambassadors in their communities and schools across Namibia.

The competition stands as more than a title—it is a national call to action for youth to step forward, lead with confidence, and shape the future of innovation in Namibia.