Young people in the Kavango East Region have taken the initiative to start a dialogue with the goal of establishing a platform for youth empowerment.

This dialogue, known as the Influential Youth Summit, aims to inspire, motivate, and foster the sharing of ideas on how to address the issues that impact them.

The one-day summit held in Rundu successfully brought together young individuals who have entered the labour market or ventured into business.

Organiser Lloyd Sikeba has set a vision for this event to become an annual gathering where young people can engage in discussions about employment and business opportunities.

"The purpose of this is to walk out of this venue changed and with a different mindset. Apart from that, this summit also looks at gearing towards actions that help young people develop their minds. Your mind, my mind. This is why we have a variety of speakers who will speak to us."

Denis Manual, co-founder of Top Notch Media, emphasises that today's youth are digital citizens who possess immense potential to harness the internet, especially social media, as a business opportunity.

As a journalist himself, Manual advises young people to use social media responsibly, being mindful of their digital footprint.

"We have a lot of companies and corporate entities, even the government and NGOs, that are looking for people to advertise for them. You, as a youth with a lot of followers, can't you propose to these people and then use you as a brand ambassador?"

Among the various challenges faced by young entrepreneurs, Manuel highlights collateral requirements, a lack of mentors, and the absence of basic business skills training as significant issues.

In response to these challenges, Manual urges young people to demonstrate resilience and perseverance, emphasising their crucial role as the future of Namibia, with particular emphasis on the Kavango East Region.