Bank of Namibia Annual Tertiary Institutions Debating Challenge 2024

The Bank of Namibia (BoN) held its Annual Tertiary Institutions Debating Challenge 2024 (TIC 2024) on 22 and 24 July 2024 in Windhoek. This flagship public education initiative aims to foster critical thinking and robust discussion on key economic and central banking issues among Namibia's youth. For the first time, the event, which has a storied history of promoting intellectual engagement and dialogue, featured a preliminary round.

The theme for this year’s debate, from which the motions were derived, was "The so-called resource curse, compounded by the Dutch disease phenomenon suggests that resource booms can hinder development by causing conflict, instability, economic distortions, and a decline in other sectors of the economy. With the recent discovery of oil and gas reserves, Namibia faces the risk of succumbing to this curse if it does not put its house in order”. This theme enabled students to engage in a rigorous debate, where they explored and argued the facts and principles for and against the motion. Given Namibia's recent resource developments, this theme was now, more than ever, current and relevant.

This year, debaters from five (5) distinguished institutions participated in the TIC 2024. The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), University of Namibia (UNAM), International University of Management (IUM), International Training College - Lingua and Triumphant College represented their teams and vied for cash prizes. During the debate, students were assessed on their ability to construct compelling arguments, comprehend the topic and deliver both arguments and rebuttals, effectively.

The Bank provided comprehensive support to participating students during this competition. To this end, it has organised a workshop featuring relevant information and presentations from technical experts. The workshop sessions focused on sharpening the debating skills of the debaters to ensure a quality competition.

A panel of judges oversaw the competition, including experts from the Bank of Namibia (BoN) and the Namibia National Petroleum Corporation (NAMCOR):
1. Dr. Postrick Mushendami: Deputy Director, Macro Models and Monetary Policy, Research and Financial Sector Development (BoN)
2. Ms. Abigail Nainda: Deputy Director, Applied Policy Research, Research and Financial Sector Development (BoN)
3. Ms. Naufiku Hamunime: Technical Expert, International Relations & Sustainability (BoN)
4. Mr. Frans Kalenga: Senior Manager, Sustainable Energies (NAMCOR)
5. Ms. Leena Shipanga: Deputy Director, Internal Audit (BoN)
6. Ms. Selma Machado: Internal Auditor (BoN)

The Bank of Namibia remains dedicated to fostering critical thinking, economic literacy, and informed discourse among Namibia's future generations. This competition provides a valuable platform for students to develop these skills while engaging in a vital national conversation about economic development.