It all adds up: Supporting Namibian math education
From food carts to boardrooms, strong numeracy skills drive business efficiency. Poor basic math slows down service and cuts into profitability — a reality visible even during a lunch break at a food stall. When workers are equipped with mathematical skills, productivity rises, benefiting both businesses and the economy.Recognising this, Bank Windhoek is investing in mathematics education to support Namibia’s long-term economic development. Through targeted corporate social responsibility programmes, the bank empowers both teachers and learners, strengthening the country’s numeracy foundation.
One flagship initiative is the Bank Windhoek Mathematics Teachers Initiative, launched in 2024 in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture and the African Leadership Institute. To date, 160 Grade 8 and 9 mathematics teachers across Namibia have received specialised training in core subject knowledge and classroom management.
Participants rated the workshops highly, noting improvements in assessment skills and learner performance. Beyond math, teachers reported gains in personal finance, teamwork, and resilience — skills they pass on to learners. These improvements help address learning gaps and better prepare students for real-world challenges.
Bank Windhoek also hosts the Coastal Maths Challenge, offering learners in Grades 8 to 10 an engaging platform to apply mathematical concepts competitively. The event promotes analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities essential for business success.
A strong foundation in math equips future professionals with tools for financial analysis, budgeting, resource management, and data-driven decision-making. These are critical skills in sectors like finance, engineering, and technology. By developing these capabilities, Namibia builds a workforce ready to drive sustainable growth and productivity.
Through its commitment to maths education, Bank Windhoek helps create a skilled, resilient generation of Namibians who can contribute meaningfully to the economy. Strong numeracy isn’t just about passing exams — it’s about unlocking the country’s full economic potential.
*Bronwyn Moody is Bank Windhoek’s Head of Stakeholder Engagement, Corporate Social Responsibility and Sponsorships.