Rudolf Gaiseb
Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC) Deputy Minister Dino Ballotti has announced that the government has planned an investment of N$9.98 billion toward youth development.
He said that, over the next five years, these funds will be dedicated to entrepreneurship, infrastructure and skills development programmes.
Additionally, more than N$2 billion is allocated to apprenticeships, N$3 billion to internships, N$1 billion to industrial renovations and over N$400 million to youth multipurpose centres.
Ballotti was speaking at the International Youth Day celebration held at the Namcol Centre in Windhoek yesterday.
The minister noted that the newly established national youth development fund, separate from the aforementioned allocations, has been capitalised with over N$257 million.
“The fund, [which comes as a loan for those under 35], does not require collateral,” he said.
Held under the theme ‘Local Youth Actions for the Sustainable Development Goals and Beyond’, the celebration brought together young people from all 14 regions across the country.
The event was hosted by the MEIYSAC in collaboration with the National Youth Council of Namibia.
Speaking at the event, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) representative Erica Goldson said that young people have a responsibility, but if not given the right opportunities, their potential could become a challenge.
She highlighted that the path to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) runs through the lives, leadership and local actions of young people.
Goldson said the youth understand local realities and the needs of future generations.
Moreover, their perspectives and voices are vital for building a more equitable, sustainable and peaceful world.
“The digital revolution offers unprecedented opportunities for young people to become innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders on the global stage. By leveraging digital technology, we can create more inclusive and sustainable economic growth, ensure access to quality education and healthcare, and empower young people to actively participate in shaping the future of our nation,” she stated.
Goldson said UNFPA remains committed to achieving universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, ending gender-based violence, eliminating harmful practices and ensuring that no one is left behind, especially young people.
“The SDGs, particularly Goals 3 (Good Health & Well-being), 4 (Quality Education) and 5 (Gender Equality) as well as the six pillars of the NDP6, particularly pillar 1 (Economic Growth, Transformation and Resilience), pillar 2 (Human Development and Community Resilience) and pillar 4 (Effective Governance and Public Service Delivery), are central to our mission. Young people are key to making these goals a reality at the local level,” she stated.
Commonwealth Youth Council chairperson Joshua Opey encouraged young people to drive change with resilience, starting at the grassroots level.
He said that introducing artificial intelligence to young people at the grassroots level is crucial for making innovative progress.
In addition, Opey urged youth to participate and be empowered through the annual Commonwealth Youth Awards, which recognise young leaders in action.
These awards showcase various projects across 56 Commonwealth countries, such as climate initiatives.
They further improve access to education and create economic opportunities in underserved communities.
Opey said innovation is not exclusive to a few but a possibility for all.
“If we are serious about achieving the SDGs and building beyond them. We must move beyond just speeches. We need to allocate real resources to youth efforts. This includes creating explicit budget lines for youth-led initiatives at all levels, strengthening grassroots youth networks and investing in skills, technology and partnerships that turn ideas into reality,” he stated.
-rgaiseb@nepc.com.na