Also known as: YDF
Government fund that has disbursed N$40.1 million to young entrepreneurs and approved 211 projects worth N$63.1 million since launch.
News reports
Order a long-term news report on Youth Development Fund
Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
New Era
The Youth Development Fund was established to assist young Namibian innovators and entrepreneurs
“She also referred to the establishment of the Youth Development Fund to assist young Namibian innovators and entrepreneurs.”
NNN calls for investment, skills transferInformanté
Youth Development Fund was established to support young entrepreneurs and artists
“Nandi-Ndaitwah reiterated that youth employment and the creative industries remain among the Government's seven development priorities, highlighting the establishment of the Youth Development Fund to support young entrepreneurs and artists.”
President calls for unity, cultural preservation at revived Masubia Cultural FestivalInformanté
Youth Development Fund is valued at N$500 million
“The Prime Minister further highlighted the government's Youth Development Fund, valued at N$500 million, as part of broader efforts to empower young people economically and reduce unemployment.”
Prime Minister highlights agricultural cooperation and youth empowerment during Uganda engagementNew Era
Youth Development Fund approved 211 projects valued at about N$63.1 million with potential to create 898 jobs
“Under the Youth Development Fund, 211 projects valued at about N$63.1 million have been approved, with the potential to create 898 jobs.”
Govt backs jobs, skills and funding for youthNew Era
the Youth Development Fund was launched as an initiative toward enabling young people to unlock their potential
“Through the launch of the Youth Development Fund, he has taken a bold step toward enabling young people to unlock their potential—an initiative widely seen as a reflection of his commitment to uplifting some of the most vulnerable members of society.”
Opinion – Ngurare’s 365 days in office: An epitome of humanityThe Namibian
Youth Development Fund reflects clear commitment to addressing unemployment and economic participation
“Programmes like the Youth Development Fund, along with earlier efforts such as the Targeted Intervention Programme for Employment and Economic Growth, reflect a clear commitment to addressing unemployment and driving economic participation.”
When Policy Moves Slowly, Innovation SuffersInformanté
Youth Development Fund has disbursed N$40.1 million to young entrepreneurs since launch
“YOUNG entrepreneurs across Namibia have received a total of N$40.1 million through the Youth Development Fund (YDF) since its launch last year, as government steps up efforts to support youth-led businesses and innovation.”
N$40.1 million disbursed to young entrepreneurs through YDFNew Era
Youth Development Fund has received application from David Kambo
“Among others, he tried applying for the government's Youth Development Fund.”
Kambo dreams of economic freedom … eyes government-backed youth fundPresident Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah told the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow that Namibia is seeking investment in agriculture, energy, technology and mineral processing, and that the country's relationship with Russia should be strengthened through trade and investment to support economic transformation and value addition of natural resources.
4 hours ago · New Era →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah told the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow that Namibia is seeking investment in agriculture, energy, technology and mineral processing, and that the country's relationship with Russia should be strengthened through trade and investment to support economic transformation and value addition of natural resources.
4 hours ago · New Era →
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare announced that the government has increased monthly internship allowances—student interns from N$2,244.85 to N$2,692.50, and graduate interns to N$3,769.50—and extended placements from three to six months to support young people entering the labour market.
26 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The government has increased internship allowances and extended placements from three to six months. Graduate interns will now receive N$3 769.50 monthly (up from an implied lower rate), while the extended duration allows interns more time to acquire practical skills and workplace experience.
26 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah told world leaders at the Generation Unlimited Global Leadership Council meeting in New York that Africa cannot wait for green transition while millions of young people seek work, and that green investments must create jobs for young people immediately rather than only benefit future generations.
24 September 2026 · New Era →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah opened the 2026 MTC KasiVibe Festival, themed "Building Opportunities for Namibia's Youth through Entrepreneurship and Innovation," commending founders Willibard and Salmi Shigwedha for creating a platform that empowers young people to showcase entrepreneurial ventures, creative talents, and services.
5 August 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah called on Namibians to preserve their cultural heritage while promoting national unity and economic development at the Masubia Cultural Festival in Bukalo, Zambezi Region. She welcomed attendance from traditional leaders across Namibia and delegations from Botswana and Zambia, emphasising that cultural festivals play an important role in preserving traditions and strengthening understanding among diverse communities.
25 July 2026 · Informanté →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for urgent investment in agriculture, rural development and youth participation in farming, emphasizing that economic transformation depends on modernising agriculture while preserving cultural identity. She said the Omaludi Agricultural Festival demonstrates how agriculture and tourism can work together to create economic opportunities for local communities.
29 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare reaffirmed government commitment to expanding agricultural production and youth empowerment through cooperation with traditional authorities and regional partners. He outlined efforts to establish community-based food production projects across traditional authority areas, citing the Otjombinde project as a successful pilot where young people were employed through food-for-work and cash-for-work schemes to clear and prepare land.
16 May 2026 · Informanté →
President Nandi-Ndaitwah announced expanded government programmes to address youth unemployment through training, skills development, and funding. The initiatives include mushroom cultivation and biomass training, the Youth Credit Scheme, and the Youth Development Fund, which has approved 211 projects worth N$63.1 million with potential to create 898 jobs.
15 April 2026 · New Era →
A New Era opinion piece argues that Prime Minister Ngurare has distinguished himself in his first 365 days through hands-on, empathetic governance—camping in remote forests to assess school conditions, launching youth development initiatives, conducting unannounced hospital visits, and prioritizing local procurement. The author contends his leadership model emphasizes practical compassion and direct engagement with citizens over formal qualifications.
2 April 2026 · New Era →
Namibia has strong policies and youth development programmes, but slow implementation and bureaucratic delays undermine entrepreneurship and economic growth. The author argues for digitisation, clearer timelines, and faster regulatory processes—not deregulation—to match the pace of modern business and unlock economic opportunity.
26 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Young entrepreneurs have received N$40.1 million through the Youth Development Fund since its launch last year. Development partners are introducing online applications, satellite offices in regions, and business workshops to improve access and address barriers including incomplete applications and limited awareness.
20 March 2026 · Informanté →
The Oshana Regional Youth Forum is running a three-day nail technology training course in Okaku village, with eight young people from the constituency receiving practical skills and start-up kits to launch small-scale nail care businesses. The training is funded through the National Youth Council's Youth Development Fund, which allocates N$25,000 to each constituency.
13 March 2026 · Informanté →
David Kambo, a 24-year-old entrepreneur from Khomas who has launched multiple businesses including pawning, carwash, chemical manufacturing, transportation, and construction services, is applying for the government's Youth Development Fund to scale his operations and expand production capacity. Kambo believes government investment in youth entrepreneurship is critical to reducing unemployment and driving economic growth.
25 February 2026 · New Era →