The Bank of Namibia (BoN) has launched the Fintech Youth Programme in partnership with several public and private sector institutions to promote youth-led innovation and strengthen the country’s digital finance ecosystem.
The collaboration brings together the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), Scale Up Namibia, the Namibia Business Angel Network, Bellatrix, CC Hub, Old Mutual, MTC and MTC Maris.
BoN Director of Strategy, Projects and Transformation, Valeria Mbango, said the partnerships will provide mentorship, technical support and financial literacy training to help fintech start-ups grow from concept to market.
She explained that Scale Up Namibia will connect the programme with 18 local incubators, while the NIPDB will provide policy and technical guidance. CC Hub will focus on business structuring and digital security, and MTC will offer digital platforms and connectivity.
“Through this initiative, we aim to build skills, foster innovation and entrepreneurship, enhance youth employability, and strengthen collaboration across sectors. Our success will be measured when Namibian fintechs can scale beyond borders, as we’ve seen with platforms like PayToday and iDToday,” she said.
Mbango added that the programme aligns with the Bank’s Innovation Hub and Fintech Framework, launched in 2022 to promote financial technology and cross-border digitalisation.
“If the water is too clean, the fish will die. Our regulatory approach must balance oversight with innovation. The Fintech Youth Programme was introduced to address grassroots challenges and nurture young innovators across different stages of development,” she said.
BoN Governor Johannes !Gawaxab described fintech and digital innovation as vital to Namibia’s future growth and financial inclusion, calling the initiative a key milestone in modernising the national financial landscape.
“The Bank of Namibia is contributing financially to the Fintech Youth Programme launched today, reaffirming our commitment to a sustainable fintech ecosystem. We will continue supporting innovation through hackathons, fintech challenges, and partnerships with investors and incubators,” he said.
!Gawaxab added that financial technology presents significant opportunities for job creation and inclusion.
“When harnessed effectively, financial innovation promotes competition, creates jobs and drives inclusion by offering accessible and secure services to all Namibians. The future of money and payments is digital,” he said.
Executive Director of the Ministry of Finance, Michael Humavindu, said fintech development is essential to tackling youth unemployment and positioning Namibia competitively within the global digital economy.
“Too many young Namibians remain excluded from meaningful economic participation. With youth unemployment estimated above 40%, every young person without work represents a missed opportunity — a potential builder, innovator and taxpayer who could contribute to our shared prosperity,” he said.
Humavindu reaffirmed the ministry’s support for initiatives that promote financial innovation and inclusion.
“Fintech is more than mobile apps and online payments. It is a tool for inclusion, productivity and sustainable growth. Across Africa, fintech has demonstrated its power to democratise finance and broaden opportunity,” he said.
