NUST programming competition highlights why Namibia must invest in future coders
NUST brought its Annual Programming Competition to a spectacular close last Sunday with an awards ceremony celebrating the competition\'s 10th anniversary. Held under the theme “Empowering the Future: Coding for Education, Science, and Technology,” the event was more than just a showcase of coding talent; it was a reminder of why Namibia must invest in its next generation of problem-solvers.Over the past ten days, students participated in hackathons, mentorship sessions, and coding challenges, sharpening their skills while tackling real-world issues. The competition has become a national platform where young innovators connect with mentors, showcase creativity, and explore how technology can address Namibia’s pressing needs.
Delivering the keynote address, digital entrepreneur Nikolai Tjongarero reflected on his unlikely journey into the tech space. “Access to information is not only a human right, but also a catalyst for innovation, financial inclusion, and opportunity,” Tjongarero said, quoting the event organiser, Josephina Muuntumo. For him, these words perfectly captured why Namibia cannot afford to overlook the power of technology and the youth driving it.
Tjongarero, who holds an MBA in logistics and supply chain management, admitted he is not a computer science graduate. Yet his path into technology highlighted a critical point: coding and innovation are no longer confined to computer labs; they are tools every Namibian can use to build solutions for the nation’s future.
No limits to innovation
This year’s competition made history by including primary school learners, proving that coding has no age limit. From the youngest participants just beginning their programming journey to university students tackling complex challenges, the event showed that digital creativity can be sparked at any stage of life.
One participant, Uukiki, said, “I learned that there are many ways to solve a problem,” reflecting the mindset the competition continues to instil in learners. By introducing coding to children early, Namibia lays the foundation for a future where problem-solving, innovation, and digital literacy become second nature. As Tonata Nghifitikeko reminded the audience, “As long as the skills and education are there, we can work with you.”
Celebrating the winners
The awards ceremony highlighted not only talent but also the growing reach of coding education across Namibia.
Secondary school division:
Third place – Okahandja Secondary School
Second place – Delta Geeks from Delta Secondary School
First place – Windhoek Technical School
Tertiary division:
Third place – Triumphant College
Second place – UNAM Drillers from the University of Namibia
First place – Team Phoenix from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST)
Coding as a tool for nation-building
The competition’s 10th anniversary underscored its growing role in Namibia’s digital ecosystem. Over the years, it has produced coders and innovators who have gone on to create start-ups, join leading companies, and mentor the next wave of students. “What problems do you have that we can solve?” asked Joel Eelu, challenging young coders to view technology not just as a skill, but as a tool for addressing Namibia’s most urgent needs.
Coding is not just about building apps or websites. In Namibia, it could mean designing systems to improve healthcare logistics, developing platforms to strengthen education delivery, or creating digital solutions to boost financial inclusion in rural communities. With the right support, today’s student coders could one day pioneer Namibia’s homegrown solutions to power outages, food insecurity, or unemployment.
The NUST Programming Competition is proof of what can happen when youth are given resources, mentorship, and space to innovate. But to unlock Namibia’s full potential, greater investment is needed. This may include government policies prioritising digital literacy from an early age, private sector partnerships to provide funding, internships, and real-world coding challenges, and university support to expand hackathons, innovation hubs, and scholarships. If Namibia wants to move from being a consumer of technology to a creator of it, investing in youth coders is non-negotiable.
A vision for the future
As the winners celebrated their victories at NUST’s Mining Auditorium, it became clear that this competition is about more than awards. It is about nurturing a generation ready to take charge of Namibia’s digital future. Event organiser Josephina Muuntumo closed with a reminder of what true leadership means: “Leadership has nothing to do with your title and everything to do with your heart.”
If invested in and supported, these coders – from the youngest primary school learners to tertiary graduates – could one day design the technologies that keep Namibia’s lights on, ensure water security, and empower communities. The future is not waiting. Namibia must invest in its coders today, because they are the architects of tomorrow’s solutions.