Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Youth, Civic Relations and Community Development Marlayn Mbakera has suggested that the National Youth Development Fund roll out grants in addition to loans and review the selection criteria for applications. She said this during the standing committee's oversight visit at Omuthiya in the Oshikoto Region.
Mbakera said most applicants are interested but struggle to meet all the requirements, such as a good credit score, clear ITC record, and no history of banking defaults, among others.
"We can look at grants and loans, as we have been engaging the young people. For example, amounts less than a hundred thousand – why can't we turn them into grants? Amounts less than a hundred thousand should not have all these requirements and criteria set by the financial institutions. We have seen that people, like those who do nails, apply for as little as fifty to eighty thousand. How can we make it better for them? If they were better consulted, then we could say we were empowering the youth. I do not think the President will be happy with these numbers; due to the excitement she had, her plan and what is on the ground is a drop in the ocean. We are not reaching the young people.
Agribank Northern Branch Manager Etuhole Ingo reported that there were 61 applications for the National Youth Development Fund from the Oshikoto Region, totalling N$17.9 million.
However, only six applicants were approved, amounting to N$2.6 million.
The projects anticipate the creation of 45 jobs.
The projects range from horticulture, cooking oil production, poultry, piggery, fodder production, and agro-processing to
Ingo further said applications lacked business viability and outstanding documents during submissions.
"Because the businesses that are not viable are a challenge among the youth. They are just dreaming; they might be willing to take up business, but the project is not well implemented/presented, there is a lack of understanding of the business plan, and the amount of loan presented in the business plan does not correspond to what the business plan is saying.
This is what some beneficiaries, Ketu Kambonde and Angaleni Shilongo, had to say.
"My project's name is Tembu Farms, and I am dealing with piggery and fodder production; we make fodder for chickens and pigs. I am looking at employing three to five people by finding committed employees, which can be a challenge. People want the job more than being committed."
Angaleni Shilongo told NBC News that this will be life-changing, as she has been unemployed for eight years. She owns two qualifications: one in media studies and one in enrolled nursing.
"I am running a poultry farm in Omalondo in Eengodi Constituency. I feel good to be a beneficiary and thank the GRN for this initiative. I want to expand it to add layers to sell eggs. I will focus on my business to bring something to the table."