Kavango east youth fund beneficiaries face strict accountability for public funds

Phillipus JosefRunduKavango East governor Hamunyera Hambyuka delivered a clear warning this week to three young entrepreneurs selected under the National Youth Development Fund’s pilot phase: manage the funds responsibly, or face the consequences.Out of 1 375 applications from across the region, only Kleopas Nepolo of Passa K Investment, Julio Manase of Malangahi Investment and Ester Kativa of Kwata Mbunge Fish Investment were approved. Their combined projects total N$1 036 900, with Nepolo’s renewable energy venture valued at N$688 800, Manase’s bricklaying business at N$168 500 and Kativa’s fish-trading initiative at N$179 600.Speaking at an engagement with the beneficiaries, governor Hambyuka stressed that the funds come from the Namibian treasury and partners, carrying both trust and expectation. “Each of you must be diligent and honest in managing the funds you receive,” he said. “Use them strictly for the business activities you proposed. Misuse or waste of these resources would betray public trust and slow down development efforts, ultimately harming the youth of Namibia.”Representatives from the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) and Agribank outlined technical and financial requirements. DBN’s Rundu branch manager, Engelberth Linyando, explained that applications initially lacking business registration were not discarded. “We will contact those applicants and guide them through registration so that viable projects can still be considered,” he said.Linyando further emphasised that success will be measured by employment creation and loan repayment. “We will keep visiting these projects, engage with beneficiaries, and mitigate risks where possible. You are not left on your own,” he said.Agribank’s Duskan Mungalisa confirmed that the bank’s support extends beyond funding. “This is not just financial support; it includes mentoring, training, and monitoring,” he said. “The intention is for beneficiaries to create jobs for others and set a precedent for future applicants.”Governor Hambyuka also highlighted the partnership nature of the fund, reminding beneficiaries that it is not a handout. The success or failure of these three projects will shape the future of youth applications. “If these enterprises thrive, loans can revolve back into the system for future entrepreneurs,” he said. “If they fail, it undermines public trust and could limit opportunities for other youth.”For Nepolo, Manase and Kativa, the engagement was both celebratory and sobering. While they now have access to N$1 036 900 to implement their ventures, they will be under continuous scrutiny. Each milestone, each job created and each loan repayment will be closely monitored by DBN, Agribank and the regional office.

Kavango east youth fund beneficiaries face strict accountability for public funds

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-20

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Kavango east youth fund beneficiaries face strict accountability for public funds

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-20

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