Windhoek: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has called on Agribank to speed up the processing of Youth Development Fund (YDF) applications, saying delays undermine the government's efforts to empower young people in agriculture. Ngurare made the remarks during a visit to Agribank on Wednesday, where he engaged with the bank's management on its operations, challenges and opportunities, as well as ways the government can support the institution in fulfilling its mandate.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Ngurare urged the bank's management to eliminate administrative bottlenecks that hinder the effective implementation of the Youth Development Fund. The prime minister further encouraged Agribank to strengthen its relationship with farmers and assess applicants based on their potential rather than their appearance or background, saying the bank should help transform aspiring young farmers into successful commercial producers.

Ngurare emphasized the government's policy that applicants under the Youth Development Fund should not be required to provide collateral, stating that this measure is intended to remove barriers preventing young people from accessing opportunities in agriculture.