…govt targets 7,110 jobs
Namibia’s National Youth Development Fund has disbursed N$110.2 million out of its N$317 million investment pool, with 373 youth-owned projects approved and an estimated 7,110 employment opportunities expected to be created across the country.
Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah disclosed the figures in the FY2026/27 Mid-Year Budget Review Statement, revealing that approximately 35% of the fund’s total investment had been disbursed as at 25 September 2026.
The figures leave N$206.8 million of the fund’s investment pool yet to be disbursed, although the government did not specify how much of the remaining amount had already been committed to approved projects.
The 373 approved projects are spread across all 14 regions, with the government projecting that they will collectively generate approximately 7,110 employment opportunities.
The fund’s N$317 million investment comprises N$258 million appropriated during the 2025/26 financial year, N$50 million allocated in 2026/27 and contributions from state-owned enterprises and other institutions.
“The National Youth Development Fund has grown to an overall investment of N$317 million,” Shafudah said.
Among the contributing institutions, the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) and Namibia Reinsurance Corporation (NamibRe) each committed N$5 million, while the Namibia Agronomic Board contributed N$2.5 million.
Funding has been channelled through the Development Bank of Namibia, Agribank and the Environmental Investment Fund.
However, the government did not provide a breakdown of how many of the projected 7,110 jobs have already materialised, leaving the actual employment impact of the approved projects unclear.
