Hertta-Maria Amutenja
Youth-led businesses across the country have welcomed the extension of the Youth Development Fund (YDF) application deadline to 25 August 2025, saying it allows them more time to prepare proposals.
The Windhoek West Constituency Office announced the extension last week, urging eligible youth to take advantage of the new date.
Submissions must be made by 17h00. The office said the decision aims to increase youth participation in the fund.
“We encourage all eligible youth to use this opportunity to submit their proposals so they can be considered for funding,” it said.
Some applicants have faced challenges accessing information, preparing proposals, and coordinating with cooperative members.
“We were struggling to finalise our documents because some members are based outside Windhoek and could not sign in time,” said Simon //Garoëb, a self-employed welder.
“With the new deadline, we now have a fair chance to complete everything and apply,” he added.
Martha Nakashole, a youth entrepreneur from the Oshana region, said the extension will help those who struggled to access the application guidelines.
“Many youth in rural areas depend on accurate information and help to prepare these proposals. The extension is a welcome opportunity for us to catch up and apply properly,” she said.
Ministry of finance spokesperson Wilson Shikoto confirmed the extension applies countrywide.
He said applications are submitted to governors’ offices before being sent to the ministry for processing.
“So far, they have not been forwarded to the ministry yet,” he said, adding that all possible support will be provided to applicants.
The fund offers low-interest loans to youth-led cooperatives to start or expand projects in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services.
Applications will be screened at governors’ offices before the ministry of finance makes final approvals. The list of beneficiaries is expected later this year.
Last month, the cabinet approved common guidelines for the operationalisation of the National Youth Fund, including an initial allocation of N$257 million and annual subventions.
ICT minister Emma Theofelus said the fund focuses on project entrepreneurship to help supported entities scale up and reach market maturity.
Loan amounts are segmented to cater for both startups and cooperatives seeking expansion.