Renthia Kaimbi
Over 80 young entrepreneurs in Swakopmund have been chosen to receive funding through the Youth Entrepreneurial Development Initiative (YEDI). The programme by the Swakopmund municipality is designed to support and grow youth-led businesses.
The initiative will disburse nearly N$1.2 million to help young people grow their ventures across the coastal town.
The programme, launched in partnership with Langer Heinrich Uranium Mine, attracted 2 489 applications.
The mine contributed N$1 million to support the funding pool.
After a strict selection process, 41 applications were disqualified for not meeting eligibility criteria, including exceeding the age limit of 35 years or residing outside Swakopmund’s municipal boundaries.
Swakopmund mayor Blasius Goraseb said during the launch in July that YEDI is meant to empower young people to build their own livelihoods.
“This initiative is not about handouts but about investing in the potential of our young people, nurturing their talents, and equipping them with the tools to build their own livelihoods,” he said.
He added that the programme is about opportunity.
“True empowerment begins with opportunity, and through this programme, we are creating meaningful pathways for our youth to realise their full potential,” Goraseb said.
The selection process aimed to reflect Swakopmund’s diversity, ensuring representation from all areas, including Mondesa, Matutura, Tamariskia, DRC, Vineta and Ocean View. The municipality said the funding was allocated with fairness and inclusivity in mind.
The selected youth-owned businesses operate across key local industries such as welding and metal fabrication, construction, air conditioning and refrigeration, gardening and cleaning, printing and design, catering, electronics repair, and event rentals.
Each entrepreneur received between N$2 000 and N$20 000, depending on their business needs. The funding limit was set to allow more youth businesses to benefit.
In total, N$1 176 300 was distributed. The municipality said the evaluation panel focused on business sustainability, personal motivation, sector relevance, and reasonable costing.
Applications were reviewed by an independent committee to ensure transparency and compliance with municipal procedures.
Goraseb said the programme responds to the growing number of unemployed youth seeking opportunities to improve their lives.
His office continues to receive requests from young people looking for work or support to start small businesses.
“YEDI is a long-term investment in youth, not a welfare programme,” Goraseb said earlier, describing it as part of Swakopmund’s effort to promote self-reliance.
The municipality has pledged to track how beneficiaries use the funds and to offer mentorship to ensure growth and accountability. Plans are underway to expand partnerships with private and public institutions to increase the funding pool and improve future selection rounds.
