Windhoek: The Ministry of Finance, together with the Development Finance Institutions, on Monday announced the approval of 66 successful applicants under the National Youth Development Fund (NYDF) across all regions.

According to Namibia Press Agency, this was confirmed by the ministry's spokesperson, Wilson Shikoto, in a statement. He noted that the approved projects cover every region and include enterprises such as poultry production, livestock rearing, crop farming, biomass processing, aquaponics, innovative technology services, recycling operations, and renewable energy installations. The loan amounts range between N.dollars 88,000 and N.dollars 1 million.

All assessments and approvals were completed through Agribank and the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF). Shikoto added that the funding will support the creation of 404 jobs in sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, horticulture, sustainable tourism, waste management, agro-processing, green transport, and value-added services.

Shikoto further called on young people to submit their applications to keep the fund active and accessible. 'Young people are encouraged to visit their Governors' offices during the first week of December to confirm the status of their applications,' he said.

Furthermore, he mentioned that the Ministry will continue announcing successful applicants from more than 11,000 submissions received during the pilot phase. He concluded by reaffirming the Government's commitment to expanding opportunities for young Namibians, strengthening job creation across the country, and encouraging applicants not selected to seek guidance from their regional offices for future submissions.