Also known as: NYDF · NYF
Government fund supporting youth entrepreneurship in Namibia, with N$135 million approved and approximately N$90.8 million disbursed as of August 2026.
News reports
Order a long-term news report on National Youth Development Fund
Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.
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New 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 NYDFThe Namibian
National Youth Development Fund has approved N$14.9 million in financing for 30 businesses
“The National Youth Development Fund (NYDF) has approved a combined N$14.9 million in financing for 30 businesses across different sectors.”
Youth fund boosts 30 businesses with N$15mThe Namibian
National Youth Development Fund approved N$14.9 million in financing for youth-owned businesses through DBN
“The National Youth Development Fund has approved N$14.9 million in financing for youth-owned businessses through the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN), as the fund continues to expand access to finance for young entrepreneurs.”
Youth development fund approves N$14.9m for businesses through DBNNew Era
National Youth Development Fund was launched in September 2025
“Masake then outlined opportunities under the National Youth Development Fund (NYDF), launched in September 2025, which offers collateral-free loans at low interest rates through AgriBank, Development Bank of Namibia and Environmental Investment Fund.”
‘Youth must lead agri trans-formation’Informanté
National Youth Development Fund (NYDF) was launched in September 2025 with N$257 million allocated for 2025/26
“The National Youth Development Fund (NYDF), launched in September 2025 with N$257 million allocated for 2025/26 (part of a N$500 million capitalisation), is a transformative force.”
Deputy Minister of Agriculture urges Oshikoto youth to harness region's agricultural potentialThe Namibian
National Youth Development Fund offers loans with 2% interest to young applicants for start-up support
“While some university students will receive debt-free access to education, young people applying for start-up support through the National Youth Development Fund often receive loans with 2% interest.”
Setting Realistic GoalsThe National Youth Development Fund has disbursed approximately N$90.8 million to beneficiaries supporting youth entrepreneurship, with approved projects expected to create about 2,500 employment opportunities. The fund received approximately 13,809 applications by August, with N$135 million in financing approved across participating development finance institutions.
21 October 2026 · New Era →
The National Youth Development Fund has disbursed approximately N$90.8 million to beneficiaries supporting youth entrepreneurship, with approved projects expected to create about 2,500 employment opportunities. The fund received approximately 13,809 applications by August, with N$135 million in financing approved across participating development finance institutions.
21 October 2026 · New Era →
Lawmakers questioned how the National Youth Development Fund monitors funded projects after a parliamentary committee struggled to trace some beneficiaries, amid concerns over loan repayments, monitoring and use of public money. The Finance Minister acknowledged the government had suffered losses under the programme, which approved over 300 youth projects last year.
18 October 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah addressed the 81st UN General Assembly and called for a woman to be elected as the next Secretary-General of the United Nations, placing gender equality and women's leadership at the centre of her address. She also expressed solidarity with conflict-affected countries including Sudan and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and reaffirmed Namibia's commitment to UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
24 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Atlantic Training Institution plans to construct a new campus and hospital at Oshakati, with construction expected to start in December and about 160 employment opportunities anticipated during the projects' construction phase, the institution's founder announced at a graduation ceremony.
18 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The National Youth Development Fund has received 13,809 applications from young Namibians, with only about N$90.8 million of approved financing disbursed so far.
17 September 2026 · Namibian Sun →
The National Youth Development Fund has received about 13,809 applications since establishment, with N$135 million approved and N$90.8 million disbursed as of end-August. The government allocated N$258 million to the NYDF for the 2025/26 financial year.
16 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Khomas regional governor Sam Nujoma has called for practical opportunities to help young people transition from training programmes into employment, during an African Peer Review Mechanism validation consultation. Youth unemployment in Namibia stood at 44.4% in 2023, with combined youth unemployment and potential labour at 61.4%, and rates exceeding 60% in Kavango East and Kavango West.
11 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Omusati governor Immanuel Shikongo has urged stakeholders to critically assess Namibia's progress in implementing governance recommendations under the African Peer Review Mechanism, rather than simply celebrating achievements. The assessment focuses on recommendations addressing youth unemployment, housing, land delivery, rural electrification and decentralisation from a Country Review Report launched in March 2024.
9 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
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 →