The National Youth Development Fund (NYDF) has approved nine youth development projects in the ||Kharas Region, with funding amounting to N$1.93 million.
The figures were revealed by NYDF Project Manager Lucrecia Tsauses during an information session in Keetmanshoop.
The one-day information session was hosted by the Keetmanshoop Vocational Training Centre, in collaboration with Agribank, the Development Bank of Namibia, the Environmental Investment Fund and the National Youth Development Fund.
The session aimed to equip young people with information on the NYDF, including application requirements, the funding process and how to develop sustainable business plans that could improve their chances of securing funding.
During her presentation, Project Manager Lucrecia Tsauses clarified that the nine funded projects are from the current funding phase.
As of 31 August 2026, young people in the ||Kharas Region had submitted 331 applications to the three participating development finance institutions, with nine applications approved.
"The nine projects that were approved include four projects approved by Agribank, three by the Development Bank of Namibia and two by the Environmental Investment Fund. These nine projects are expected to create 53 employment opportunities."
Tsauses also encouraged young people who are struggling to develop business ideas to focus on opportunities relevant to the region, particularly agriculture, vocational trades, tourism and digital technology.
Meanwhile, the Manager of the Keetmanshoop Vocational Training Centre, Benedictus Diergaardt, said the region has significant opportunities in agriculture, mining and tourism, as well as emerging sectors such as oil and gas and green hydrogen.
He urged young people to prepare themselves to participate in these growing industries.
“If we don't act together, we will only be spectators in the oil and gas sector. We really need to prepare ourselves, especially the youth, to participate in these emerging sectors. I will try my utmost best to bring those people here, arrange conferences and create opportunities and platforms where they can share this information, because I am worried that we will miss this opportunity."