Namibia’s National Youth Development Fund (NYDF) has approved about N$135 million in financing from nearly 14,000 applications received from young entrepreneurs, with N$90.8 million already disbursed to beneficiaries.
The Ministry of Finance said participating Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) had received approximately 13,809 applications as at August 2026, highlighting strong demand for affordable financing among young Namibians.
However, only a fraction of the applications have so far translated into approved projects, with the government acknowledging challenges in converting applications into viable and bankable businesses.
The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) received about 11,000 applications, of which approximately 5,000 have been processed. Financing worth about N$67 million has been approved, with around N$40 million disbursed.
Agribank received 1,611 applications and approved 66 worth approximately N$23 million. About N$11.8 million has been disbursed.
The Environmental Investment Fund received approximately 1,198 applications and approved 99 worth about N$45 million, of which approximately N$39 million has been disbursed.
Combined, the three institutions have approved approximately N$135 million in financing and disbursed about N$90.8 million.
The approved projects are expected to support about 2,500 employment opportunities across agriculture, manufacturing, services, construction, green energy and tourism.
The government has so far committed N$317 million to the NYDF.
For the 2025/26 financial year, N$258 million was appropriated to the fund, comprising N$129 million for project financing, N$90 million for an endowment fund managed by the Bank of Namibia and N$39 million for training, coaching and mentoring.
A further N$50 million was allocated in the 2026/27 financial year, while NamPort and NamibRe contributed N$5 million each.
The Ministry said the large difference between applications received and projects approved remains a concern, with participating DFIs continuing to support applicants to improve the conversion of applications into viable and sustainable enterprises.
The NYDF provides financing without conventional collateral requirements, which the government says is intended to address one of the main barriers young entrepreneurs face in accessing funding.
The Ministry and participating DFIs have also conducted about 33 outreach sessions nationwide, alongside roadshows and participation in exhibitions and trade fairs.
Beneficiaries receiving financing will continue to receive mentoring, coaching and business guidance, while the Ministry has established a dedicated NYDF Project Office to coordinate and monitor implementation.
The government said the fund remains in the early stages of implementation and that its success will ultimately be measured by sustainable businesses created
