Bank of Namibia sets aside N$90 000 for 2026 high school competition

Quiz aims to boost financial literacy and economic awareness
The competition gives learners from across the country an opportunity to test their knowledge of economics, financial literacy and the role of the central bank.
Nee-Thanks Uupindi
  • 2 Days Ago

The Bank of Namibia is preparing to host its biannual high school competition, a national quiz that brings together learners from all 14 regions of the country.

The competition tests learners’ financial literacy, economics, and understanding of the role of the Bank of Namibia, while encouraging teamwork and critical thinking.

The initiative was created to promote financial literacy, raise awareness of the central bank’s functions and inspire young Namibians to engage with economic issues. It also provides learners with an opportunity to better understand how the Bank contributes to price stability, financial sector stability and the smooth functioning of the financial system.

Registration opened on 25 May and closes on 12 June 2026. Regional rounds will take place in July, while the semi-finals and national finals are scheduled for September in Windhoek.

The competition is open to all registered secondary schools.

The Bank of Namibia has set aside prizes for the top-performing schools. The winning team will receive N$50 000, while the runners-up will receive N$30 000. The third-placed team will earn N$10 000 and the fourth-placed school will receive a preloaded Wi-Fi router.

Teams will be assessed on the accuracy of their responses, their understanding of the study material, problem-solving ability and teamwork throughout the competition.

The bank said the competition exposes learners to subjects that are not always covered in depth in the classroom and gives them a practical understanding of how economic and financial decisions affect everyday life.

Naufiku Hamunime, deputy director of corporate communications and sustainability at the Bank of Namibia, said the competition was designed to help develop financially informed young citizens.

“The Bank hopes the competition will cultivate a generation of young Namibians who are better equipped to make informed financial decisions, participate meaningfully in economic discussions and contribute to the country’s development,” he said.

Maggy Shali, a 17-year-old Grade 11 learner at Hage Geingob High School and a prospective participant, said the competition offered an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a practical setting.

“I believe this is an opportunity for us to put our learning into practice and apply what we are taught in the classroom to the real world. As a commerce learner, we are not always exposed to opportunities in our field, and this is an experience I would not want to miss,” she said.

The 2024 competition attracted 167 schools, and the bank expects participation to increase this year. Learners will tackle questions on economics, finance and national development in a contest designed to showcase talent, teamwork and critical thinking.