Chelva Wells

Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture Sanet Steenkamp has announced a N$1.3 billion budget allocation for her ministry, dedicated to youth empowerment and development.

She announced on Tuesday during her presentation of the Vote 27 budget for the 2025/26 financial year in the National Assembly that it reflects the government’s commitment to youth empowerment and sport development, highlighting a 46% increase from the previous year’s allocation.

N$301 million is dedicated specifically to youth development, training and employment programmes.
Among the key initiatives funded are the National Youth Service, which received N$117.6 million, and the National Youth Council, which was allocated N$34.2 million to implement youth programmes.

Steenkamp said the ministry aims to equip out-of-school and unemployed youth with skills to enhance employability and foster self-reliance.
“We remain committed to integrating our young citizens into the mainstream economy,” she added.
The minister then outlined plans to establish a National Youth Fund to consolidate entrepreneurship initiatives, including the Namibia Youth Credit Scheme, which has been allocated N$14.5 million for loans to young entrepreneurs.
“We are also starting consultations on regional youth agricultural cooperatives, and a national apprenticeship and internship programme targeting 10 000 apprentices and 5 000 interns annually,” she said.

The politician highlighted successes from the previous year, noting that 862 youth received technical and vocational training, while 749 were trained in entrepreneurship, with 553 receiving loans.
Funds were likewise earmarked for youth-focused events, including International Youth Day and World AIDS Day commemorations.
The minister urged parliamentarians to support the budget, stating that the Vote 27 budget for the 2025/26 financial year presents renewed hope and opportunity to empower the Namibian youth.
-Nampa