Also known as: NYDF · NYF
Government fund providing financing to youth entrepreneurs, with N$500 million allocated and low initial approval rates under review.
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New Era
National Youth Development Fund provides funding opportunities for young entrepreneurs
“One such initiative was the launch of the National Youth Development Fund in the Omaheke region, which provides funding opportunities for young entrepreneurs.”
Know Your Civil Servant – Serving with honesty and integrityNew Era
National Youth Development Fund has been allocated N$257 million
“Within that allocation, N$257 million has been allocated to the National Youth Development Fund, and N$301 million has been earmarked for youth development and training.”
Youth budget bumped to N$750mThe Namibian
National Youth Development Fund has disbursed more than N$62 million supporting 140 projects and creating over 700 jobs
“We have also taken note of the National Youth Development Fund, half a billion Namibian dollars dedicated to empowering young entrepreneurs. More than N$62 million has already been disbursed, with 140 projects supported and more than 700 jobs created.”
Jatta Fabakary Tombong opens 90th CPA Africa Region executive committee meeting in SwakopmundNew Era
National Youth Development Fund was established in 2025 to respond to youth business financing challenges
“She said the fund, which was established in 2025, serves to respond to challenges associated with access to business financing for youth enterprises.”
Qualified but unemployedNew Era
The fund provides loans and grants without collateral requirement
“The fund provides loans and grants without the requirement of collateral.”
Qualified but unemployedNew Era
National Youth Development Fund is expected to receive significant budgetary attention as youth empowerment program
“Investments in education, health, skills training, oil and gas development, green hydrogen technologies, and youth empowerment programs such as the National Youth Development Fund are critical for long-term transformation.”
Opinion – Budget 2026/27: Revenue, jobs and growthNew Era
National Youth Development Fund was established in 2025 to respond to youth enterprise financing challenges
“Namibia's Head of State said the fund, which was established in 2025, serves to respond to challenges associated with access to business financing for youth enterprises.”
Youth fund creates 700 jobs …as Namibia reports progress at APRM SummitThe Namibian
National Youth Development Fund was launched in 2025 with N$500 million to ease access to business capital and support youth entrepreneurship
“The president said the National Youth Development Fund, aimed to ease access to business capital and support youth entrepreneurship, was launched in 2025, with an amount of N$500 million.”
Over N$60 million allocated to 140 youth projects – presidentNew Era
National Youth Development Fund has been established and is currently operational
“He also mentioned that the National Youth Development Fund has been established and is currently operational, indicating that youth enterprises are receiving collateral-free loans to generate employment for other unemployed youth, and encouraged young people to apply.”
Youth urged to build digital sovereigntyNew Era
National Youth Development Fund aims to support youth entrepreneurship by providing financial assistance without collateral
“The National Youth Development Fund (NYDF), which aims to support youth entrepreneurship by providing financial assistance without requiring collateral, targets young Namibians aged 18 to 45.”
DBN approves N$15m for NYDFPrime Minister Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare has called on Regional Governors to use newly available resources to address practical community needs and produce visible improvements to people's lives, emphasizing that governors serve as a critical link between central government and communities and must have sufficient human and financial resources to respond to local challenges.
29 August 2026 · Informanté →
Prime Minister Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare has called on Regional Governors to use newly available resources to address practical community needs and produce visible improvements to people's lives, emphasizing that governors serve as a critical link between central government and communities and must have sufficient human and financial resources to respond to local challenges.
29 August 2026 · Informanté →
High rental costs for privately owned shops and a shortage of public trading spaces are major obstacles to small business growth in the Khomas region, particularly among young entrepreneurs, according to the Khomas Annual Regional Report for 2025/26. The report calls for the City of Windhoek and other stakeholders to establish more affordable public markets.
24 August 2026 · New Era →
The government plans to create more than 470 direct employment opportunities in the creative industry through a Local Content Plan rolled out by the Namibia Film Commission, funded by N$17.5 million as part of a broader N$50 million allocation to creative industries programmes.
19 August 2026 · New Era →
Young people in Hardap have been encouraged to take advantage of government programmes promoting entrepreneurship, digital skills, agriculture and job creation. A constituency councillor and the Governor's Youth Desk emphasised support for small and medium enterprises and digital literacy initiatives.
15 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The National Youth Development Fund has received over 13,400 applications since launch but approved only 353 (2.6%) for funding. The Ministry of Finance is overhauling the application process after the low approval rate exposed quality issues in submissions, with approximately 13,120 applications still under assessment.
11 August 2026 · New Era →
First gentleman Denga Ndaitwah addressed boys in Kavango West, urging them not to abandon education despite peer pressure, embarrassment and financial hardship. Education director Pontianus Musore reported that 650 pupils dropped out of school during the first semester this year, with boys making up the majority, citing economic hardship, child-headed households, poor parental involvement, limited supervision and limited hostel facilities as factors.
10 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Deputy Minister of Agriculture Ruthy Masake has called on young people in Ohangwena to embrace climate-smart farming, agribusiness and innovation, urging them to become active producers and leaders rather than programme beneficiaries. She stressed the integration of climate action, water security and sustainable agriculture to strengthen food security and rural development in response to climate impacts including changing rainfall patterns and prolonged dry spells.
10 August 2026 · Informanté →
Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani has urged farmers in Aminuis and the Omaheke Region to move beyond primary livestock production and embrace value addition, stating that Namibia's agricultural growth depends on producers capturing more economic benefits along the livestock value chain and creating jobs and businesses in rural communities.
7 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Erongo Governor Natalia /Goagoses urged women entrepreneurs to formalise their businesses and take advantage of government support programmes at a Women and Youth MSME Business Engagement Meeting in Swakopmund, where she announced her office would assist 10 unregistered entrepreneurs with registration costs and knowledge.
30 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Prime Minister Ngurare represented President Nandi-Ndaitwah at the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Summit in Angola, emphasizing reconciliation, youth empowerment, and economic cooperation as key outcomes. Ngurare cited examples of religious leaders who overcame past violence to become peace advocates, arguing that African countries must prioritize unity to enable development.
21 July 2026 · Informanté →
The ||Kharas governor's youth desk, established in 2025, has assisted young people through leadership and financial literacy training, tertiary applications, scholarships to the Namibia Institute of Mining and Technology, school uniforms, and international exchange opportunities. The desk provides information on development funds and employment opportunities and serves the entire region through local networks.
20 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare told "order with me" operators that uptake of the National Youth Development Fund remains low and encouraged them to apply. He said young entrepreneurs should capitalise on business opportunities such as supplying school uniforms locally rather than importing them.
13 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Prime Minister Dr Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare visited the Development Bank of Namibia to assess the National Youth Development Fund and urged officials to provide clear, constructive feedback to applicants whose submissions need improvement, rather than leaving them without guidance. He called for faster resolution of administrative bottlenecks and innovative outreach to fully utilise the N$500 million allocated to the fund.
4 June 2026 · Informanté →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said at the 2026 Omaludi Agricultural Festival that Namibia must pursue development without abandoning its cultural identity, noting that festivals promote agriculture, tourism and local economic growth while preserving traditions. She urged farmers in northern communal areas to transition from subsistence to commercial agriculture through improved infrastructure, financing and market access.
27 May 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah called on the private sector to partner with government in the National Internship and Apprenticeship Programmes to equip graduates with practical skills the market demands. She noted that government offices, ministries, and agencies have been directed to create budgetary allocations for internships and apprenticeships.
1 May 2026 · Informanté →
The Namibian publishes an opinion piece questioning whether Namibia's national conversation on jobs is aligned with its goal to create 500,000 jobs, given youth unemployment around 44% in 2023 and policies like expanded free tertiary education that will increase labour market entrants.
26 April 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah addressed the SWAPO Party's Central Committee meeting in Windhoek, emphasising unity as the party's strongest asset while warning against misinformation and disinformation that could weaken cohesion. She highlighted government progress including youth empowerment initiatives and marked the party's 66th anniversary.
25 April 2026 · Informanté →
Swapo president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said internal division and misinformation risk weakening the ruling party, and that unity must be protected against both internal and external pressures. She cited the party's focus on implementing its 2025 to 2030 election manifesto, including youth employment and sustainable development initiatives.
25 April 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has officially inaugurated the Third National Governing Council of the African Peer Review Mechanism in Namibia, reaffirming the country's commitment to strengthening governance systems and aligning with national development priorities. The council will oversee key governance areas and lead Namibia's second-generation country review process.
20 April 2026 · Informanté →
According to UN Resident Coordinator Hopolang Phororo, while Namibia has launched numerous job creation initiatives and aims to create 500,000 jobs, fragmented efforts without shared tracking and coordination are failing to deliver impact at scale. Phororo argues that the country must shift from launching new programmes to aligning existing ones with clear accountability for results, particularly in supporting small enterprises to grow and survive beyond their early years.
2 April 2026 · New Era →
Lahja Nashuuta Alpha Mbanyanda Uzera, a Senior Private Secretary in Kunene's Governor's Office, joined public service in April 2025 and has since contributed to infrastructure projects like the Oute Bridge and youth development programmes. He emphasises the dedication of his office team and plans to pursue postgraduate studies in International Relations with a goal of joining the diplomatic corps.
27 March 2026 · New Era →
Prime Minister Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare has urged young people in Oshana to apply for the National Youth Development Fund (NYDF), a collateral-free initiative available to Namibians aged 45 and below. He warned that funds should not remain unused due to lack of applications, and noted that government has allocated N$257 million in its initial phase last year with an additional N$500 million planned annually over five years.
25 March 2026 · Informanté →
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare praised government investments in rural electrification, water supply, roads and health facilities in Oshana region during the 36th Independence Day celebrations, and stressed that capital projects must benefit local companies and support local economic empowerment.
24 March 2026 · New Era →
Vice President Lucia Witbooi says //Kharas has evolved from a historically marginalised area into a dynamic economic hub through government's commitment to inclusive development, with progress in agriculture, mining, fisheries, tourism, and infrastructure. She noted the region faces ongoing challenges in value addition, water, sanitation and housing, and is positioned to benefit from large-scale renewable energy and green hydrogen initiatives.
23 March 2026 · New Era →
Kavango East Governor Hamunyera Hambyuka called on residents to transition from celebrating political freedom to generating shared prosperity, addressing youth unemployment, water provision, and housing as critical challenges while emphasizing that independence must include access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for all families in the region.
23 March 2026 · New Era →
Finance minister Erica Shafudah announced that 30 youth-owned businesses in Omusati have been approved for funding under the National Youth Development Fund, with N$257 million allocated to the fund to support young entrepreneurs nationwide. Shafudah also outlined government initiatives to strengthen food security through irrigation projects, livestock facilities, and vocational training in the region.
23 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Vice President Lucia Witbooi called for collective responsibility and socio-economic transformation as Namibia marked its 36th Independence Day, emphasizing government priorities under the Sixth National Development Plan including agriculture, youth empowerment, education, and renewable energy, while acknowledging remaining challenges in housing, water, and sanitation.
21 March 2026 · Informanté →
The Ohangwena Regional Youth Forum chairperson Monica Ndeilenga said young people in the region have achieved political freedom since independence but face high unemployment and a mismatch between education and job opportunities. She called for youth integration into high-level decision-making on agriculture, infrastructure and macro-economic planning, and advocated for regional value chains, improved access to funding, and stronger youth participation in governance.
18 March 2026 · New Era →
SWAPO MP Gaudntia Kröhne has urged the National Assembly to support the 2026/27 national budget, emphasizing three pillars: N$54.3 billion in social investment covering education, health and pensions; productivity-focused spending on infrastructure and energy; and fiscal prudence to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio toward SADC standards while identifying N$2.3 billion in operational savings.
18 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Muuaupi Kavari, Senior Private Secretary to Omaheke's governor, discusses her path from three years of voluntary service to her current administrative role coordinating the governor's office. She emphasizes the importance of public service for community development and defends civil servants against criticism of ineffectiveness.
13 March 2026 · New Era →