Windhoek: The Bank of Namibia (BoN) on Friday hosted the third STEAM Expo in Windhoek, underscoring the role of rural and underserved learners in driving Namibia's digital and economic future. Speaking at the opening of the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Expo, BoN Deputy Governor Leonie Dunn said the programme was deliberately designed to decentralise innovation and expand access to digital education beyond urban centres. According to Namibia Press Agency, Dunn noted that the approach ensures innovative talent, regardless of geographic location, is given the opportunity to develop digital skills, solve community-level challenges, and compete in an increasingly technology-driven global economy. She highlighted Namibia's youthful population as a strategic advantage, noting that about 37 per cent of the country's estimated 3.03 million people are under the age of 15. Dunn emphasized that STEAM education should be viewed as economic policy rather than a social intervention, parti cularly for small, open, and resource-dependent economies. She stated, "A stable currency without an innovative workforce is never enough. Macroeconomic soundness must be paired with long-term investment in human capital." Since its launch, the programme has reached 720 learners across all 14 regions, with participants developing projects aimed at addressing real challenges within their communities. The expo, which brings together learners from various secondary schools, showcases innovation projects assessed by an independent panel of judges and forms part of the BoN's broader investment in youth skills development. Dunn also referenced global projections indicating a looming shortage of skilled science and technology workers, warning that failure to invest in STEAM education could result in economic stagnation and rising inequality. She added that Namibia's youthful population could become a decisive competitive advantage as the world faces potential shortages in skilled workers.