A 15-year-old student from Bedir International School in Blantyre, Praise Maganga, has won a bronze medal at the Pan African Mathematics Olympiad (OPAM) 2026.
The competition was held in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, and brought together some of the brightest young mathematicians from across the African continent.
Maganga was part of a four-member team that represented Malawi at the prestigious contest.
He competed against 144 secondary school students drawn from 24 countries.
Speaking after the event, Maganga said he felt proud to have won a medal for Malawi.
“I am excited to have gone this far in the competition considering that it was not an easy ride,” he said.
The teenager added that the questions were challenging and required both speed and critical thinking.
“The problems tested us beyond what we learn in class. You had to think differently to find solutions,” Maganga explained.
Bedir International School has hailed Maganga’s achievement as a milestone for both the school and the country.
“His success will inspire other students to take interest in mathematics and science,” the school’s website indicated.
OPAM is an annual competition that aims to promote the study of mathematics among African learners and identify talent at a young age.
This year’s edition attracted participants from 24 African nations.
