NATIONAL YOUTH DEV FUND - MOF
Ministry of Finance
National Youth Development Fund
Empowering Namibian youth to become builders of businesses, creators of jobs, and drivers of innovation.
What is the National Youth Development Fund?
The National Youth Development Fund (NYDF) is a development fund established to provide financial and technical support to youth through loans with interest between 2%–4%. The fund fosters youth-owned businesses, startups, cooperatives, and innovative projects, with priorities in Agriculture & Agro-processing, Green & Eco-friendly Projects, and Manufacturing & Value Addition.
Key Highlight — Collateral-Free Funding
No collateral is required to access funding. This ensures all eligible Namibian youth, regardless of background or financial status, have a fair opportunity to bring their entrepreneurial visions to life.
Main Objectives
- Promote youth entrepreneurship and innovation
- Reduce youth unemployment by creating sustainable economic opportunities
- Support youth in starting, growing, or scaling their businesses
- Enable access to affordable financing and business support services
- Encourage youth involvement in priority sectors (agriculture, green economy, manufacturing)
- Promote inclusive growth for marginalised groups — young women, rural youth, youth with disabilities
Who Can Apply?
Namibians aged 18–45 years with a formally registered business or cooperative, and individuals in the agriculture sector.
Priority Ventures
- Agro-processing
- Climate-resilient projects (e.g. fodder production)
- Diversified agri-enterprises (e.g. poultry, charcoal, fruit tree production)
- Horticulture
- Green technology
- Manufacturing
- Innovation in creative spaces
Age Category Expansion: The Fund is now open to Namibian youth between 18 and 45, recognising that the entrepreneurial journey often begins in early adulthood and continues into mid-career phases.
What the Fund Offers
Start-up Initiatives
N$60,000 – N$200,000
Interest Rate: 2% p.a.
Entrepreneurial / Project
N$200,000 – N$1,000,000
Interest Rate: 3% p.a.
Large-Scale Initiatives
> N$1,000,000
Interest Rate: 4% p.a.
Additional Terms
5 Years
Repayment Period
12 Months
Grace Period
None
Collateral Required
Priority Sectors
Agriculture & Agro-processing
Empowering food security and rural development
Green & Eco-friendly Projects
Recycling, clean energy, sustainable innovation
Manufacturing & Value Addition
Building local capacity and reducing import dependency
Other Funded Sectors
- Creative industries — fashion, entertainment, film, crafts
- ICT & Tech innovation
- Sustainable tourism & hospitality
- Service industries — logistics, mechanics, etc.
- Retail
- Beauty and hair salons
General Projects: Projects that fall outside priority sectors but are still eligible for funding due to their viability, innovation, and potential to create youth employment or socio-economic value.
How It Works
- 1Call for applications (open or rolling basis during the duration of the programme)
- 2Submission of business proposals
- 3Evaluation and vetting
- 4Disbursement of funds (loan or grant)
- 5Ongoing support and monitoring
Basic Requirements
- Namibian ID (certified copy)
- Business or Cooperative Registration Certificate (certified copy)
- Business Plan & Financial Projections
- Proof of Business Address (where applicable)
- Bank Account Confirmation Letter
Assessment Criteria
- Viability & sustainability of the project / business
- Youth empowerment potential
- Job creation capacity
- Innovation and local relevance
- Environmental and social impact
Where to Apply
Application forms and project submissions can be submitted at your nearest:
- Regional Governor's Office
- Development Bank of Namibia (DBN)
- Environment Investment Fund (EIF)
- Agribank Offices
Monthly Announcements
A public announcement will be made at the end of each month on the number of projects awarded, based on attributes and regional distribution.
Download the official application form and submit to your nearest participating institution.
Official Launch — 29 September 2025 · Gobabis, Omaheke Region
The NYDF was officially launched by the Right Honourable Dr. Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare, Prime Minister of the Republic of Namibia.
This historic launch marks the beginning of a transformative era for youth-driven enterprise and innovation in Namibia, ensuring that young people across all 14 regions are equipped to become builders of businesses, creators of jobs, and drivers of innovation.
Contact Information
Administrative Matters
Mr. Collin Kakuva
Mr. Wilson Shikoto
Mr. Jonathan Swartz
Implementing Agencies
Environmental Investment Fund
Documents & Resources
Intolerance for Abuse
The NYDF is a transparent and accountable mechanism for genuine youth economic empowerment. Abuse, misuse, corruption, or sabotage will not be tolerated.