06/11/2025
JUST IN| The Ministry of Finance has announced a significant policy change to the Namibia Youth Development Fund (NYDF), extending the age limit for applicants from 35 to 45 years.
The revision, which aims to promote inclusivity and empower a broader range of Namibian entrepreneurs, was confirmed by Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah earlier today.
“In addition, the Government has revised the NYDF age eligibility criteria to promote greater inclusivity and empowerment. Recognising that entrepreneurship evolves from early adulthood into mid-career, the Fund is now open to Namibians aged 18 to 45,” said Shafudah.
This comes after the ministry’s spokesperson, Wilson Shikoto, announced in October that the government had allocated N$257 million towards the NYDF for the 2025/26 financial year to support youth entrepreneurship across various sectors.
At the time, Shikoto highlighted that the Fund encourages applications from individuals with formally registered businesses, cooperatives, and entrepreneurs in agriculture and other sectors. He further noted that priority would be given to ventures in agro-processing, climate-resilient projects, green technology, manufacturing, innovation, and horticulture.
“We have received more than 6,000 applications throughout the country, and the technical committee will be announcing successful candidates at the beginning of each month,” Shikoto said.
The expanded age limit and increased funding underscore the government’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and empowering Namibians at different stages of their business journeys.
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Photo: contributed
