Namibia heads to South Korea for robotics challenge

A five-member Team Namibia delegation will depart for Incheon, South Korea, on Sunday to compete at the FIRST Global Challenge from 7 to 10 October.

The international robotics competition is expected to bring together teams from about 190 countries, with Namibia returning for its sixth appearance.

Among the confirmed delegation are Genius Robotics chief executive and Team Namibia coordinator Dennis de Abreu and team member Shanelle Elzaan Brown.

The participants represent Windhoek High School, Platonic International School and the Namibia College of Open Learning (Namcol).

Building on previous appearances

Namibia heads to South Korea, building on five previous appearances at the FIRST Global Challenge.

The country made its debut in Dubai in 2019 before competing in Geneva in 2022, Singapore in 2023, Athens in 2024 and Panama last year.

Team Namibia recorded one of its strongest performances in Athens, where it finished 42nd globally and third in Africa.

Last year in Panama, the team competed in 12 official matches and finished 159th overall and 39th in Africa.

The team also received the FIRST Global International Social Media Award in 2023 and 2024, while its international representation has earned National Colours.

Supporting the campaign

Team Namibia has received support from several organisations over the years, including WCE, Zutari, SALT IT, EcoRobotics and NESA.

For this year’s campaign, Zutari has committed N$10 000 towards the team.

The support helps cover costs associated with international travel, accommodation, local transport, robotics equipment, team apparel, documentation and competition preparation.

Team mentor Sigridus Amwaalwa expressed appreciation for the organisations supporting the programme.

“We are extremely grateful to the organisations that continue to support the team and help create international opportunities for Namibian learners,” he said.

Beyond competition

Amwaalwa said the programme’s focus extends beyond Namibia’s participation at international events.

“Our objective is ultimately bigger than competing internationally.

“FIRST Global provides Namibian learners with an opportunity to demonstrate what they can achieve on a global stage when given access to the right tools, mentorship and opportunities,” he said.

He added that Genius Robotics works to create those opportunities locally throughout the year.

Genius Robotics focuses on practical science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and currently works with more than 300 learners each week.

Learners receive hands-on exposure to robotics, programming, electronics, mechanical design, computer-aided design (CAD), 3D printing, problem-solving, teamwork and engineering design.

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