The 2026 Bank Windhoek Coastal Maths Challenge has once again placed young problem-solvers at the centre of Namibia's education future, bringing together talented Grade 8, 9 and 10 learners from the coast to test their mathematical ability, critical thinking and confidence in a world increasingly shaped by innovation and technology.
The second round of the annual challenge took place on 17 June 2026, at Walvis Bay Private School, following a highly competitive first round held on 14 February 2026. This year, 2,037 Grade 8, 9 and 10 learners from 13 coastal schools participated in the first round, with selected learners from 12 schools advancing to the final stage of the competition.
Sponsored by Bank Windhoek since 2019, the Coastal Maths Challenge continues to create a platform for learners to apply mathematical knowledge beyond routine classroom exercises. The competition tested learners through an individual Speed Test, an individual Multiple-Choice Test and a Team Test. Bank Windhoek's Walvis Bay Branch Business Banker, Julian Botes, presented medals to the winners and handed over the trophy for the Best Performing School during the prize-giving ceremony.
The Swakopmund Cluster emerged as the overall winner of the 2026 Bank Windhoek Coastal Maths Challenge, scoring 1,704 points ahead of the Walvis Bay Cluster, which achieved 1,250 points. Pro-Ed Akademie in Swakopmund won the Bank Windhoek Trophy for Best Performing School, while Aleksandr Kulikov, a Grade 9 learner from Private School Swakopmund, was named the overall best individual performer.
The top individual performers included Harriette Wozny, Euan Roberts and Carlo van den Heever from Private School Swakopmund in Grade 8; Aleksandr Kulikov from Private School Swakopmund in Grade 9; and Berlize Fuls from Pro-Ed Akademie in Grade 10.
In the team categories, Grade 8 honours went to Harriette Wozny and Euan Roberts from Private School Swakopmund; the Grade 9 team category was won by Jesse Eysele and Sebastiaan Cloete from Pro-Ed Akademie; and Kate Bosman and Omar Hassan won the Grade 10 team category from International School Walvis Bay.
Speaking to learners, organiser Magret Courtney-Clarke emphasised that mathematical problem-solving is not only about arriving at an answer, but about understanding the problem, selecting a strategy, applying mathematical knowledge, checking the solution and being able to defend it. She also highlighted the growing relevance of problem-solving in an era shaped by Artificial Intelligence, noting that learners will increasingly need strong reasoning, judgement and number sense to use technology effectively and responsibly.
Bank Windhoek's Head of Strategic Communication and Social Impact, Bronwyn Moody, said that as technology evolves, the ability to think critically, question intelligently and evaluate outcomes becomes even more important. “The Bank Windhoek Coastal Maths Challenge is therefore more than a competition; it is an investment in the kind of thinking that Namibia needs for the future," she said.
Moody added that Bank Windhoek remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen education, develop young talent and encourage learners to approach challenges with curiosity, resilience and confidence.
First introduced in 2014, the Coastal Maths Challenge has become a recognised educational platform on the coast. Since Bank Windhoek became the sponsor in 2019, the challenge has continued to attract strong participation, with the 2026 first round drawing more than 2,000 learners.
Participating schools in the second round included Private School Swakopmund, International School Walvis Bay, Pro-Ed Akademie, Walvis Bay Private School, Walvis Bay Gymnasium, Namib High School, Kuisebmond Senior Secondary School, Flamingo Secondary School, Duinesig High School, Tutaleni High School, Riverside Private School and Swakopmund Secondary School.
Courtney-Clarke thanked the learners for participating, the teachers for registering and supporting their learners, team leaders Wilma de Wet and Anja Smit for their coordination, Walvis Bay Private School for hosting the event, and Bank Windhoek for its continued sponsorship of the initiative.
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