Swakopmund: The Swakopmund Cluster has emerged as the overall winner of the 2026 Bank Windhoek Coastal Maths Challenge after outperforming schools from across the coast in the annual mathematics competition.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Bank Windhoek announced in a statement that the second round of the competition was held at Walvis Bay Private School on June 17, following an opening round in February that attracted 2,037 Grade 8, 9, and 10 learners from 13 coastal schools. Learners competed in individual speed and multiple-choice tests, as well as a team challenge aimed at developing mathematical ability, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

'The competition tested learners through an individual speed test, an individual multiple-choice test, and a team test,' the statement elaborated. Swakopmund Cluster clinched the overall title with 1,704 points, surpassing the Walvis Bay Cluster, which scored 1,250 points. Pro-Ed Akademie was named the best performing school, and Grade 9 learner Aleksandr Kulikov of Private School Swakopmund was recognized as the competition's best individual performer.

Organiser Magret Courtney-Clarke emphasized that mathematical problem-solving involves understanding problems, selecting appropriate strategies, and applying knowledge rather than simply finding the correct answer. She highlighted that strong reasoning and analytical skills will become increasingly important as learners face a future shaped by artificial intelligence.

Bank Windhoek's Head of Strategic Communication and Social Impact, Bronwyn Moody, stated that the competition equips learners with critical thinking skills needed for the future. 'The Bank Windhoek Coastal Maths Challenge is more than a competition; it is an investment in the kind of thinking that Namibia needs for the future,' Moody stated.

First introduced in 2014 and sponsored by Bank Windhoek since 2019, the Coastal Maths Challenge aims to promote mathematics education and problem-solving among learners at coastal schools.