Innovative mosquito net wins Anna top honours

Nurturing entrepreneurial potential
Chris Kaukemua
  • 1 Day Ago
After impressing the judges with her innovative mosquito net made from a new material more effective than those currently in use, Kambala explained that her product could also serve as a window mesh to trap mosquitoes and help prevent malaria.

She triumphed over Symon Itenge and Tauya Kakotse, both from Delta Secondary School, during the final pitching round held in Windhoek last Saturday.

The three finalists presented their business ideas to a panel of judges that included Grant Balie from the National Commission on Research Science and Technology, Lavinia Thomas from the Development Bank of Namibia, Fillemon Nangolo from Access Bank, and Emmerita Ambata from CcHUB Namibia.

The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation hosted the annual summit to celebrate Namibia’s most promising young innovators and the educators who nurture their entrepreneurial potential. About 40 guests attended the event, including board members and executives from Allan Gray Namibia, representatives from the Ministry of Education, ecosystem partners, and the finalists' parents.



Entrepreneurial mindset

The summit marked the conclusion of a year-long challenge encouraging high school learners to develop entrepreneurial mindsets through two main activities: the Allan Gray High School Game and the business pitching competition.

Kambala and the other two finalists shared a pool prize of N$75 000 for their projects, while the top ten players in the national Allan Gray High School Game, titled Fast Food Frenzy, collectively received N$50 000.

In the High School Game, Ndashiva Nghinongwa from Etosha Secondary School ranked first, followed by Gerson Haukongo of Triumphant College in Tsumeb, and Themus Nkandi of Kuisebmund Secondary School. Other top performers included learners from Duinesig Combined School, Delta Secondary School, Windhoek Gymnasium, and Flamingo Secondary School. Windhoek High School was named the top-performing school, receiving N$20 000 for its continued excellence in promoting entrepreneurship learning.



Problem-solvers

Gavin Frey, regional head of the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, said the challenge nurtures a new generation of problem solvers – young people who see challenges not as barriers but as opportunities to innovate, create and lead.

Octavia Tsibes, Executive Director of MyZone, highlighted the importance of collaboration in strengthening entrepreneurial education and youth empowerment in Namibia.

Since its launch in 2024, the Allan Gray Entrepreneurship Challenge has empowered thousands of learners across Namibia to think critically, take initiative, and explore entrepreneurship as a viable career path.

The summit concluded with an awards ceremony and networking, honouring learners, teachers, and schools for integrating entrepreneurship into their learning environments, in line with Namibia’s vision for youth empowerment and economic growth.