Windhoek: The National Youth Development Fund (NYDF) has thus far approved funding amounting to N.dollars 14.9 million for 46 youth-owned enterprises through the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN), as part of ongoing efforts to expand access to finance for young entrepreneurs.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the Ministry of Finance's spokesperson Wilson Shikoto announced on Friday that the latest approvals total N.dollars 8.6 million and were granted to 30 youth-owned enterprises between 01 November 2025 and 30 January 2026. This marks the third project approval under the NYDF.

The latest approvals follow an earlier allocation of N.dollars 5.3 million to 16 youth-owned enterprises, which was announced during the official launch of the fund. In total, 46 enterprises have now been approved for funding through DBN since the NYDF became operational.

DBN is currently finalising disbursements for several approved enterprises. Simultaneously, the bank is assessing approximately 40 additional applications, with further approvals and an update on disbursements expected by the end of February 2026.

The NYDF funding window remains open, with project approvals conducted on a continuous basis as applications are assessed and meet the required funding criteria.

Eligible applicants may submit applications through the Offices of the Regional Governors or directly to participating Development Finance Institutions, namely the Development Bank of Namibia, Agribank, and the Environmental Investment Fund.

The Ministry of Finance said the youth fund remains committed to supporting viable youth-owned enterprises and strengthening their contribution to economic growth and employment creation.