Swakopmund:Forty-seven beneficiaries in the Erongo region have received a total of N$17 million through the Namibia Youth Development Fund (YDF). The funding supports various local businesses, including medical centers and renewable energy initiatives.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Erongo Region Governor Natalia /Goagoses announced at a recent presidential community townhall meeting that the funding has enabled young entrepreneurs, including women, to establish businesses. Among the beneficiaries is a young entrepreneur from Arandis who created a mobile solar van through the initiative.

Governor /Goagoses highlighted that the fund is accessible to eligible Namibians with viable business proposals and encouraged those who have not applied yet to seize the opportunity. She also mentioned that the region aims to secure at least N$50 million, urging applicants to propose feasible and bankable projects.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah commended the region for its progress and noted that the Government had raised the fund's age limit from 35 to 45 to accommodate more applicants. She encouraged residents to support a medical surgery established through the fund, suggesting that it could eventually develop into a private hospital.

However, concerns were raised by an applicant over delays in processing applications and a lack of feedback from officials. The applicant noted that despite being among the first to apply when the fund was launched, they are still waiting for a response. It was mentioned that over 1,000 to 2,000 applications had been received, with only two people reportedly handling the process.

In response, President Nandi-Ndaitwah acknowledged the need for improved communication between government institutions and communities. She stated that issues referred to relevant ministries are being directed to the appropriate authorities for resolution and emphasized that some matters could be resolved locally, while others require intervention from higher government levels.