The Bank of Namibia has awarded bursaries to seven Namibian students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Economics, Data Science, Mathematics and Statistics, and Education, fields aligned with the country’s long-term human capital and economic development priorities.
The awards were presented as part of the central bank’s annual bursary programme, which supports students in disciplines considered critical to national development.
Bank of Namibia Director for Human Resources Shirene Bampton said the bursary programme reflects the institution’s commitment to investing in education and future skills.
“The bursary is more than financial support; it is a vote of confidence in the students’ abilities and a commitment to their future. It is expected to serve as a foundation for personal growth, academic excellence and meaningful contribution to the nation at large,” Bampton said.
She said close to 400 applications were received, with seven new recipients selected through a competitive process, while 25 existing beneficiaries will continue with their studies.
Delivering the keynote address, Bank of Namibia Governor Ebson Uanguta described the bursary scheme as a strategic investment aligned with the Bank’s mandate and long-term institutional capacity.
“When we speak about investment at a central bank, we usually refer to capital flows, reserves, liquidity management or financial markets. Today, however, we are speaking about a different form of investment, one whose returns are not reflected in quarterly data, but in capability. The Bank of Namibia’s bursary programme is not philanthropy. It is a strategic decision,” Uanguta said.
Uanguta said Namibia is undergoing economic transitions amid increasing global volatility, making the quality of human capital a decisive factor in shaping the country’s future.
“Economics equips a country to understand trade-offs between inflation and growth, debt and development, stability and stimulus. Data science is reshaping financial systems globally. Mathematics and statistics underpin every credible economic model and every sound projection. Education remains foundational,” he said.
The seven bursary recipients for 2026 are Christie Hanse, Lusina Shipopyeni, Benjamin Mabuku, Jeremiah Links, Cecilia Ndeuyatale, Prince-Lee Tsowaseb and Rodney Hamutenya. They will study at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, the University of Namibia and the University of Cape Town.
