Windhoek: The Association for Localised Interest (Asoli) has raised concerns that regional governors are allegedly using the National Youth Development Fund as a means for political campaigning. Asoli president Joseph Kauandenge stated that many governors, who are political appointees rather than elected officials, are incorrectly presenting themselves as central to the initiative’s rollout.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Kauandenge issued a warning to governors, emphasizing that the fund must not be leveraged as a campaign tool ahead of the upcoming Regional Council and Local Authority Elections. He clarified that governors are only meant to forward proposals to national funding bodies for assessment and should refrain from attempting to take control of the initiative.
Kauandenge further highlighted that while the National Youth Development Fund is aimed at empowering the youth, its misuse for political purposes could lead to its failure in reaching the intended beneficiaries. This could ultimately render it another unsuccessful government project.
In response, Erongo Governor Natalia |Goagoses dismissed the allegations, describing them as politically motivated efforts to undermine the government’s support for youth initiatives. She expressed regret that organizations like Asoli are turning the matter into a political issue, reiterating that the fund is taxpayers’ money intended for youth empowerment.
|Goagoses emphasized that the initiative is unrelated to governors or politics, with governors only facilitating the process to ensure youth projects benefit from the fund. She encouraged Namibian youth, irrespective of political affiliation, to propose projects in sectors like agriculture and manufacturing.
The Cabinet has recently approved a budget of N.dollars 257 million for the National Youth Development Fund, part of a N.dollars 500 million commitment for the 2025/26 financial year. This funding aims to tackle youth unemployment and promote entrepreneurship in sectors such as agriculture, green initiatives, and manufacturing, specifically targeting individuals aged 18 to 35.
According to the Ministry of Finance, these funds are accessible without collateral requirements, making them available to young entrepreneurs lacking substantial assets.