Information and Communication Technology Minister Dr Peya Mushelenga says it is vital to empower young people for a sustainable future.

Dr Mushelenga made these remarks when he addressed young people at the Oshikoto regional youth expo and public lecture organised by the Oshikoto Regional Youth Forum.

The event was held at Uukule Senior Secondary School.

Dr Mushelenga advised young people who want to venture into entrepreneurship to start from the ground up and grow their businesses step-by-step.

He says solutions to economic problems cannot be addressed by people who want to get rich quickly because this might lead them to get involved in embezzlement of funds, corruption, and receiving bribes.

He said when people talk about economic empowerment, they should also think about targeted interventions specifically focused on the youth. "When we talk about empowerment in Namibia, I see people talking about women's empowerment, but even when you hear women talking about women's empowerment, they do not think of young people. They think about older women. When are we going to empower young women When we talk about women's empowerment, let's talk about young women's empowerment."

He also advised financial institutions to come up with training to help upcoming young entrepreneurs and SMEs grow their businesses, as some lack experience in how to grow their businesses.

He then called on local authorities to come up with specific programs aimed at alleviating the plight of the youth.

Dr Mushelenga also called for the allocation of tenders to include young people as well as young people with disabilities so they do not feel left out.

He then advised young people to enrol in vocational training, saying it helps young people to be self-employed, employ others and be self-reliant.