The National Youth Development Fund (NYDF) has approved a combined N$14.9 million in financing for 30 businesses across different sectors.
A total of 147 jobs are expected to be created through this funding.
This forms part of the government’s initiative to provide youth-owned businesses with loans to address youth unemployment.
The fund was launched last year, with N$500 million allocated for loans.
Ministry of Finance spokesperson Wilson Shikoto says funding approvals of N$8.6 million were granted to these enterprises through the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) between 1 November 2025 and 30 January this year.
This follows the earlier approval of allocating N$5.3 million to 16 enterprises.
In total, 46 businesses have been funded through the DBN, with combined approvals amounting to N$14.9 million.
Shikoto says the DBN is currently finalising disbursements to several approved enterprises.
“The bank is assessing approximately 40 additional applications with further approvals and updates on disbursement expected by the end of February,” he says.
Shikoto says the NYDF’s funding window remains open, with project approvals made continuously as applications are assessed.
Eligible applicants may submit their applications through the offices of regional governors or directly to participating development finance institutions, including the DBN, Agribank, and the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF).
“The NYDF remains committed to supporting viable youth-owned enterprises and strengthening their contribution to economic growth and employment creation,” Shikoto says.
The NYDF is expected to disburse N$247 million in the 2025/26 financial year.
The fund was launched in September 2025 by the Ministry of Finance and provides collateral-free loans (with 2% to 4% interest) to young Namibians aged 18 to 45 to boost entrepreneurship, especially in agriculture, manufacturing, and green projects.
It offers a 12-month grace period and up to a five-year repayment, aiming to reduce youth unemployment.
Businesses can access loans of between N$60 000 and N$200 000, while businesses seeking to scale may qualify for funding of up to N$1 million at slightly higher rates.
The NYDF is managed by the DBN, Agribank and the EIF.
Its sustainability is supported by contributions from the Nambia National Reinsurance Corporation, the DBN, the Namibian Institute of Public Administration and Management, as well as international partners including the African Development Bank and the United Nations.
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
