28/07/2025
NamSTEM Shines at Africa Science Buskers Festival in Zimbabwe
Harare, Zimbabwe – NamSTEM, a Namibian initiative, recently made its mark at the Africa Science Buskers Festival (ASBF) in Harare, Zimbabwe. The ASBF is an annual event that serves as Africa's premier platform for science communication, innovation, and research among young people, bringing together students, teachers, researchers, and science enthusiasts from across Africa and beyond.
Anastacia Dee, founder of NamSTEM, described the competition as an "eye-opener." She remarked, "It was amazing to see so much talent showcased by learners, especially African children. There is a lot of raw, undiscovered talent, and it showcases how these learners can all make a difference in their communities and the world at large! We will definitely be attending the festival again, but next time with more of our Namibian learners so that more children can benefit from the festival and what it has to offer."
This year marked the first time Namibian participants competed, with five learners entering the competition. Three participated online: Jordan Mbako, Caleb Coetzee, and Theodor Benyameni. The other two participants, Eben Mbako and Al-Schanto Matthys, attended the competition in person in Harare.
Eben Mbako secured a bronze award for his project titled 'Soil Moisture Sensor.' He shared his experience:
"My trip to Zimbabwe was an unforgettable adventure filled with vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and incredible experiences. I was welcomed with warm smiles and rich traditions that made me feel right at home. I explored breathtaking sights, soaked up the atmosphere of local markets, and tasted some delicious Zimbabwean food.
One of the biggest highlights was attending the African Science Buskers Festival, where I got to showcase my soil moisture sensor project, which I’ve been working on for months. Seeing other young innovators from across Southern Africa and the rest of the world flex their genius was incredible; the energy was electric, and the competition pushed me to level up. I would absolutely attend it again."
Al-Schanto Matthys received a merit award for his project titled 'What is your home's biggest carbon culprit?' He reflected on his journey:
"Harare, Zimbabwe — What started as a journey of learning quickly turned into one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. As a proud learner from Walvis Bay, Namibia, I had the unique opportunity to represent my country at the Science Buskers Competition held in Zimbabwe — and it exceeded every expectation.
From the moment I arrived in Harare, I was immersed in an atmosphere buzzing with innovation, creativity, and youthful energy. The competition brought together students from across Africa, each showcasing fascinating science projects with real-world impact. I was inspired by the brilliant minds I met, and even more driven to pursue science with deeper passion.
Presenting my project was both nerve-wracking and exciting. I had worked tirelessly on it, and seeing people engage with my ideas and ask thoughtful questions gave me a great sense of pride. The judges were not only encouraging, but their feedback helped me see new ways to improve and grow as a young scientist.
But the competition was more than just science — it was a celebration of African talent. I made friends from countries I had only read about before, and we bonded over our shared love for learning and discovery.
One of the highlights for me was seeing how science can unite people. No matter where we came from, we spoke a common language: curiosity. And that spirit was alive throughout the entire competition.
As I return to Walvis Bay, I bring back not just a certificate and memories, but a renewed vision for what young people in Namibia can achieve when given the right platform. I am grateful for the opportunity, and I encourage every learner with a dream to keep pushing — your ideas can change the world."
Jordan Mbako, competing online, won the popular vote for his YouTube video explaining his project. The video showcases Jordan's drip irrigation system, an agricultural tool designed to conserve water by delivering it directly to plant roots. He highlights its benefits for the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land, as well as local farmers in Namibia, a country facing water scarcity. The system recycles water and is a cost-effective solution, saving both water and manual labour. You can watch the video here:
https://youtu.be/54gTf-EiSNQ?si=5jrIMBLKFEnflbfn.
The online results for the competition are expected to be released in August 2025.
