Namibia Launches N$500-Million for National Youth Fund

By Staff Reporter

Government of Namibia, led by Prime Minister Dr. Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare,  has officially launched the National Youth Development Fund in Gobabis on Monday , aimed at empowering youth entrepreneurs with finance, training, and mentorship.

The launch ceremony, held at Wennie du Plessis Secondary School, was attended by Cabinet Ministers, Regional governors, representatives of development partners, and the youth as guests of honour.

The N$500 million Fund, of which N$257 million has already been allocated in the 2025/26 financial year, will be implemented through the Development Bank of Namibia, Agribank, and the Environmental Investment Fund, with NamPost soon to join.

According to Dr. Ngurare, the initiative seeks to address barriers such as lack of finance, inadequate skills, and limited access to markets, which have hindered the growth of youth-owned businesses.

During its pilot phase between 1 August and 4 September 2025, the Fund received 11,475 applications nationwide. Forty-two successful projects, three from each of Namibia’s 14 regions, were announced at the launch, with more approvals to follow in subsequent phases.

Start-ups will access between N$60,000 and N$200,000 at 2% interest, while larger enterprises may qualify for up to N$1 million at 3% interest. Expansion projects will be supported above N$1 million at 4% interest, all with a 12-month grace period and no collateral requirements.

The Fund also includes a grant window of up to N$60,000 to complement existing government youth support programmes, as well as mentorship and entrepreneurship training to prepare beneficiaries for long-term success.

Prime Minister Ngurare stressed that the Fund will be transparent, youth-friendly, and closely monitored. He called on private sector players, development partners, and all Namibians to support the initiative, emphasising that youth empowerment is central to Namibia’s economic future.

The launch of the National Youth Development Fund marks a decisive step towards genuine youth economic empowerment in Namibia, giving young entrepreneurs the tools, resources, and opportunities to drive innovation, create jobs, and build a prosperous future.

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