The National Youth Development Fund is a development fund established to provide financial and technical support to youth through loans with interest rates between 2%-4%. The fund is aimed at fostering youth-owned businesses, startups, cooperatives, and innovative projects, especially in various sectors of the economy, with priorities in Agriculture & Agro-processing, Green & Eco-friendly Projects, as well as Manufacturing & Value Addition.
What is the National Youth Development Fund?
Main Objectives
- Promote youth entrepreneurship and innovation
- Reduce youth unemployment by creating sustainable economic opportunities
- Support youth in starting, growing, or scaling their businesses
- Enable access to affordable financing and business support services
- Encourage youth involvement in priority sectors (e.g., agriculture, green economy, manufacturing)
- Promote inclusive growth, especially for marginalised groups (young women, rural youth, youth with disabilities)
Who Can Apply?
Namibians aged 18 – 45 years with a formally registered business or cooperative, and individuals in the agriculture sector.
Ventures of priority include:
- Agro-processing
- Climate resilient projects (e.g. fodder production)
- Diversified Agri-enterprises (e.g. poultry, charcoal, fruit tree production)
- Horticulture
- Building green tech
- Manufacturing
- Innovating in creative spaces
What is the Fund Offering?
Start-up Initiatives
- N$60,000 – N$200,000
- Interest Rate: 2% per annum
Entrepreneurial/Project Initiatives
- N$200,000 – N$1,000,000
- Interest Rate: 3% per annum
Large-Scale Initiatives
- >N$1,000,000
- Interest Rate: 4% per annum
Additional Terms
- Repayment Period: Up to 5 years
- Grace Period: Up to 12 months
- Collateral: Collateral-free
PRIORITY SECTORS
Agriculture & Agro-processing
Green & Eco-friendly Projects
Manufacturing & Value Addition
Other Funded Sectors
- Creative industries (fashion, entertainment, film, crafts)
- ICT & Tech innovation
- Sustainable tourism & hospitality
- Service industries (logistics, mechanics, etc.)
- Retail
- Beauty and hair salons
Basic Requirements
- Namibian ID (certified copy)
- Business or Cooperative Registration Certificate (certified copy)
- Business Plan & Financial Projections
- Proof of Business Address (where applicable)
- Bank Account Confirmation Letter
Your application will be assessed based on:
- Viability & sustainability of the Project/business
- Youth empowerment potential
- Job creation capacity
- Innovation and local relevance
- Environmental and social impact
Find out more about NYDF.