Namibia Minute.
Thursday, 6 August 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Thursday, 6 August 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

Youth Development Fund

Also known as: YDF

Government fund disbursing millions to young entrepreneurs for skills training and business projects across Namibia.

2026-02-252026-08-06

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. July 2026
  2. Informanté

    Youth Development Fund was established to support young entrepreneurs and artists

    Source

    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 Festival
  3. May 2026
  4. Informanté

    Youth Development Fund is valued at N$500 million

    Source

    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 engagement
  5. April 2026
  6. New Era

    Youth Development Fund approved 211 projects valued at about N$63.1 million with potential to create 898 jobs

    Source

    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 youth
  7. New Era

    the Youth Development Fund was launched as an initiative toward enabling young people to unlock their potential

    Source

    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 humanity
  8. March 2026
  9. The Namibian

    Youth Development Fund reflects clear commitment to addressing unemployment and economic participation

    Source

    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 Suffers
  10. Informanté

    Youth Development Fund has disbursed N$40.1 million to young entrepreneurs since launch

    Source

    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 YDF
  11. February 2026
  12. New Era

    Youth Development Fund has received application from David Kambo

    Source

    Among others, he tried applying for the government's Youth Development Fund.

    Kambo  dreams  of economic  freedom … eyes government-backed youth fund

Yesterday

  1. President opens MTC KasiVibe Festival celebrating youth entrepreneurship

    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

Saturday 25 July

  1. President urges cultural preservation and unity at Masubia festival

    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

Friday 29 May

  1. President calls for agriculture investment, rural development

    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

Saturday 16 May

  1. PM highlights agricultural production and youth employment cooperation

    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

Wednesday 15 April

  1. Government launches expanded youth skills and funding programmes

    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

Thursday 2 April

  1. Opinion: Prime Minister's first year defined by humanitarian leadership

    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

Thursday 26 March

  1. Slow regulatory systems hinder Namibia's entrepreneurship and job creation

    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

Friday 20 March

  1. N$40.1 million disbursed to young entrepreneurs via YDF

    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

Friday 13 March

  1. Oshana youth forum trains eight in nail technology skills

    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

Wednesday 25 February

  1. Young entrepreneur seeks government Youth Development Fund

    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

Youth Development Fund — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute