President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on the private sector, financial institutions and communities to play a greater role in supporting Namibia’s young entrepreneurs, saying government alone cannot provide the resources needed to unlock the country’s entrepreneurial potential.
Speaking at the opening of the 2026 MTC Kasi Vibe Festival in Windhoek on Thursday, Nandi-Ndaitwah said greater collaboration is needed to improve young people’s access to finance, education, digital infrastructure, mentorship and markets.
“However, we must also be clear: the Government cannot do this alone. To ensure access to finance, education, digital infrastructure, mentorship, and markets, we must all contribute and play our roles. The private sector should continue investing in young people. Financial institutions should become more open and accessible to start-ups. And as communities, we must support local businesses, because when they grow, our economy grows and we all benefit,” she said.
The President said the annual festival has become an important platform for young entrepreneurs, artists and innovators to showcase their products, services and talents while creating new business opportunities.
She said the initiative supports the objectives of the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), which identifies the creative industries as a key driver of innovation, employment and economic growth.
Nandi-Ndaitwah described Namibia’s youthful population as one of the country’s greatest economic assets, saying entrepreneurship should be viewed as a way to solve problems, create value and generate employment.
She said innovation is emerging from towns, villages, informal markets and homes across the country, and these grassroots businesses should be recognised as an important contributor to economic growth.
“Business and innovative ideas do not only come from big offices, but they also sprout from our towns, villages, informal markets, homes and communities. Namibia is a young country, with the majority of its people being youth full of energy, ambition and new ideas. This is a powerful advantage that we must harness,” she said.
The President highlighted several government programmes aimed at supporting young people, including the Youth Credit Scheme, Youth Development Fund, National Youth Service, Equipment Aid Scheme Programme and skills development initiatives offered through Multi-Purpose Youth Resource Centres.
She also called for greater investment in Namibia’s creative industries, saying sectors such as music, film, fashion, digital content, gaming, photography, visual arts and design should be recognised as viable industries capable of creating jobs, attracting investment and promoting the country internationally.
Looking beyond events such as the Kasi Vibe Festival, Nandi-Ndaitwah urged stakeholders to invest in long-term creative infrastructure that can support sustainable careers in the creative economy.
She said Namibia’s greatest resource is its people, particularly its youth, and called on all sectors of society to help create opportunities for the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.
