Auleria Wakudumo
Young people who attended a recent youth dialogue in Eenhana, in the Ohangwena region, said the engagement left them motivated to turn their creativity into sustainable businesses.
The dialogue, held on Sunday, was hosted by the National Youth Council of Namibia (NYC) and attended by Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Dino Ballotti.
The session focused on empowering youth through the creative industry by providing knowledge, mentorship, networking opportunities and guidance on how to participate meaningfully in the economy.
Among the attendees was Tresia Nashidengo (23), financial director of SheSparkle, a health facilitator in Ohangwena, and a public health graduate.
She described the dialogue as insightful and practical.
“The event went well. The deputy minister gave us ideas about what we should become as businesspeople. He encouraged us to start creative businesses, especially in a time when unemployment is high,” she said.
Nashidengo noted that one of the key lessons she took from the dialogue was the importance of believing in one’s ideas and not allowing negative comments to discourage entrepreneurial ambitions.
She said the discussion also highlighted the need for young entrepreneurs to invest in self-development, build strong networks and continually sharpen their skills to remain competitive in the creative sector.
Nashidengo explained that SheSparkle, founded and funded by three women, aims to empower girls and boys aged 12 to 25.
One of its key initiatives is the SheSparkle Modelling Academy, a structured development platform that uses modelling as a tool for empowerment, discipline and personal growth.
The academy focuses on confidence and self-image development, public speaking, grooming, personal branding, professional conduct, runway training and broader exposure to the creative industry.
Participants further benefited from testimonials from successful regional entrepreneurs, who spoke about starting small, overcoming challenges, and building sustainable businesses through consistency and innovation.
Several small business owners also showcased their products, giving young people practical examples of how creative ideas can be transformed into income-generating ventures.
One of the other small businesses was Tina Creations, which manufactures hair oil made from rosemary. The founder, Albertina Ndungandulu, said it was important for her to showcase her business at the engagement to promote her products, attract potential customers and raise awareness of the benefits of her locally made hair oil.
Addressing the youth, Ballotti emphasised the strong connection between young people and creative industries, describing youth imagination and innovation as key drivers of the sector.
He stressed the importance of investing in creative skills from an early stage to unlock potential and promote entrepreneurship.
“The creative industry is driven by talent, creativity and intellectual ability, and includes the production of cultural, artistic and entertainment goods and services that create employment and business opportunities,” he said.
Ballotti also referred to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who has underscored the role of the creative industry in addressing youth unemployment. He noted that youth empowerment and the creative sector form part of the 8th Administration’s seven priority areas.
The Minister encouraged young people in Eenhana to believe in their ideas, nurture their creativity and use their talents to contribute meaningfully to Namibia’s social and economic development.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting youth initiatives to ensure that creative potential becomes a sustainable source of opportunity, employment and national pride.
-awakudumo@nepc.com.na