How the National Youth Fund can succeed by learning from SME Bank By Fimanekeni Mbodo Namibia’s Cabinet recently approved the operational guidelines for the National Youth Fund (NYF), with an initial N$257 million commitment and plans for future annual funding. The fund aims to address Namibia’s high youth unemployment rate, which when measured broadly stands at 61.4 percent, by providing capital to youth-led businesses. This is a welcome and timely response to the urgent crisis of young people struggling to earn decent livelihoods and live with meaning in their country. thebrief.com.na/2025/07/how-… #namibia #youtfund #finance #smebank #govementfunding #unemployment @FinanceNamibia @NamYouthCouncil

2025: The year Namibia must fully commit to entrepreneurship By Fimanekeni Mbodo As Namibia enters 2025, the popular phrase “new year, new me” does not apply to the country and the challenges it faces. Chief among those is the staggering unemployment, particularly among the youth, which continues to undermine hopes of national progress. Contrary to the election fever rhetoric that promises jobs in exchange for votes, the only way to guarantee job creation is with a thriving business environment—one that only entrepreneurs can build. As we begin the new year, entrepreneurship must become more than just a buzzword in campaign slogans. It needs to be a concrete national strategy, supported by funding opportunities, intentional policies, and an enabling environment. thebrief.com.na/2025/01/2025… #namibia #unemployment #Entrepreneurship