STAFF WRITER
The Ministry of Finance has approved a second batch of 66 youth-led projects under the National Youth Development Fund (NYDF), allocating N$37.7 million to initiatives across all regions.
Ministry of Finance spokesperson Wilson Shikoto said the funding will boost youth entrepreneurship and job creation.
“The Ministry of Finance, together with the Development Finance Institutions, announces the second group of 66 successful applicants under the National Youth Development Fund with a total amount of N$37,753,532, for youth-led projects across all regions,” he said in a statement released on Monday.
He added: “The funding will support the creation of 404 jobs in sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, horticulture, sustainable tourism, waste management, agro-processing, green transport and value-added services.”
The successful projects include poultry and livestock production, crop farming, biomass processing, aquaponics, technology services, recycling operations and renewable energy installations. Loan amounts range from N$88 000 to N$1 million, with assessments conducted through Agribank and the Environmental Investment Fund.
The announcement comes after the government revised the fund’s rules to make it easier for young people to apply. Previously, youth had to be fully registered with the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) before applying. Under the new system, applicants only need to complete BIPA registration once their project is approved, removing a barrier that excluded many informal or early-stage entrepreneurs.
The reforms follow concerns raised by youth groups and members of parliament about fairness and accessibility. The government has also expanded the eligible age range from 35 to 45, acknowledging what officials described as the “evolving nature of entrepreneurship.”
A new call for applications is open, and the Ministry says it will continue to release names from the more than 11 000 applications received during the pilot phase.
Shikoto urged applicants to follow up on their submissions.
“Young people are encouraged to visit their Governors’ offices during the first week of December to confirm the status of their applications.”
He added: “The Ministry thanks all applicants and encourages those not selected to seek guidance from their regional offices for future submissions. The Government remains committed to expanding opportunities for young Namibians and strengthening job creation across the country.”
COMMENTS