When the Windhoek Observer previously wrote that the National Youth Development Fund (NYDF) was “dead on arrival,” we did not make that assertion lightly.
Our conclusion stemmed from years of observing well-intended government initiatives being crippled by red tape, poor execution, lack of continuity, and, frankly, the failure to place the youth at the centre of development, not just in policy rhetoric, but in real, tangible action.
However, today, we are prepared to re-examine our position. We are willing to say: we may have been too quick to write the fund off. The launch of the NYDF at Gobabis on Monday, under the compelling theme “Awakening The Namibian Youth Entrepreneurial Aspirations”, signals a new chapter, one that deserves not only our critical eye but also our cautious optimism and support.
The government, through prime minister Elijah Ngurare, appears to have heard the doubts, critiques, and concerns raised by media, youth leaders, civil society, and development experts. And to its credit, it has responded with clarity and commitment.
Let’s begin with the numbers. The fund is capitalised at an impressive N$500 million, with a solid N$257 million already allocated for the 2025/26 financial year. This is not symbolic funding; it is serious capital, capable of real impact. This factor alone sets the NYDF apart from other initiatives that have floundered due to chronic underfunding.
Even more encouraging are the fund’s terms. A bold move, the NYDF will carry no collateral requirements, a game-changer for thousands of young entrepreneurs who have long been shut out of formal financial systems. Loans of between N$60 000 and N$1 million, at staggeringly low interest rates of 2% to 4%, and grace periods of up to 12 months, offer a runway for youth-led businesses to grow without being choked by debt before they can even take off.
Start-ups and early-stage businesses are often dismissed as high-risk ventures, but as prime minister Ngurare said, “This is not a handout; it is a hand up.” That framing matters. The NYDF is not charity. It is a strategic investment in human potential, designed to empower a generation to become job creators, not just job seekers.
We commend the government for anchoring the fund within established institutions like the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN), Agribank, and the Environmental Investment Fund. Each of these bodies brings unique expertise in finance, agriculture, and sustainability. If properly coordinated, they can ensure that applications are not just processed efficiently but that the businesses they back are guided, mentored, and supported throughout their journey.
Equally significant is the inclusion of a grant window for micro-projects under N$60 000. For many youth, especially those in rural areas or informal sectors, even applying for a loan is daunting. This grant scheme complements the fund’s lending framework and is a nod to existing schemes under the Ministries of Education and Gender. It provides the smallest entrepreneurs, those selling poultry, tailoring clothes, or running informal salons, with the seed support they need to grow.
Critically, the prime minister acknowledged that challenges remain. He pointed to limited access to finance, lack of business skills, and difficulty accessing markets as persistent barriers. Rather than ignoring these realities, the government seems intent on addressing them head-on. The call to revise unhelpful criteria as they emerge is perhaps the clearest sign that this fund is intended to be agile, responsive, and, most importantly, youth-friendly.
Let’s also not gloss over the scale of interest the fund has already attracted. During its pilot phase, over 11 475 applications were received from all 14 regions.
That tells us one thing with certainty: the hunger and ambition are there. Namibian youth are ready. They are not lazy. They are not complacent. They are not waiting for handouts. What they’ve been waiting for is a level playing field, and the NYDF could be the first step in building that.
Now, let us be clear: we still have reservations. Implementation is always the Achilles’ heel. Coordination among multiple agencies can be cumbersome. Political interference, favouritism, and mismanagement – these risks are real and must be guarded against. Transparency in selection processes, timely disbursement of funds, and continuous public reporting will be key.
That is where the role of the media, civil society, and the youth themselves becomes crucial. The Windhoek Observer pledges to monitor this fund’s rollout diligently. We will spotlight successes and expose failures. We will tell the stories of youth who thrive because of this fund and those who are left behind. That is our role. And that is our promise.
For the time being, we recognise that the National Youth Development Fund remains viable. It is, perhaps, more alive and more thoughtfully conceived than we had dared hope.
Namibia’s future depends on the youth. That is not just a slogan; it is an economic, political, and moral reality. If this fund succeeds, even partially, it could catalyse a shift in how we approach development, employment, and innovation in this country.
To the youth of Namibia: this is your time. And to the government: you’ve made a bold start; now stay the course.
We are watching. We are hoping. We are ready to be proven wrong.
