Staff Reporter
THE Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Ruthy Masake, has urged young people in the Oshikoto Region to fully utilise the region’s natural advantages by engaging more actively in agriculture and making use of the government support available to farmers.
“Oshikoto boasts fertile soils, relatively reliable rainfall in many areas, strong traditions in staple crops like pearl millet (mahangu), sorghum, legumes, and livestock rearing. You have dense rural communities that provide both labour and ready local markets, strategic transport links for moving produce, and growing potential in horticulture, fruit production, and even emerging ventures like mushroom farming and diversified enterprises,” Masake said.
EMPOWERING THE YOUTH: Scenes from the Oniipa Agri-Youth Engagement. Photos: Ministry of Agriculture.
She made these remarks at the Oniipa Agri-Youth Engagement, held at the Oniipa Constituency Office in the Oshikoto Region. She described Oshikoto as a “powerhouse in the making”, noting that the government wants to see the region’s youth take the lead in crop production, livestock improvement, feed production, horticulture, fruit orchards, agro-processing and milling, value-added products, as well as climate-resilient practices that turn drought challenges into sustainable success.
Masake emphasised that this vision can be realised, particularly if young people take advantage of the various forms of support offered by the government, including assistance from the National Youth Development Fund (NYDF), the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN), Agribank and the ministry itself.
“The National Youth Development Fund (NYDF), launched in September 2025 with N$257 million allocated for 2025/26 (part of a N$500 million capitalisation), is a transformative force. Administered through the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN), Agribank, and the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF), it targets Namibian youth aged 18-45 with registered businesses, cooperatives, or agricultural ventures,” Masake explained.
She revealed that the NYDF offers collateral-free loans at low interest rates of between 2% and 4%; funding ranging from N$60,000 to N$200,000 for start-ups at 2%, and up to more than N$1 million for larger projects at rates of 3% to 4%; as well as repayment periods of up to five years, with a generous grace period of up to 12 months.
“Priority goes to agriculture and agro-processing, poultry, horticulture, fodder production, fruit trees, diversified agri-enterprises, climate-resilient projects, exactly the areas where Oshikoto youth can shine. Applications are ongoing with no closing date, processed monthly. This Fund is moving youth from dreams to deeds, creating jobs and building legacies,” Masake said.
She further noted that the Development Bank of Namibia supports high-impact initiatives such as large-scale agribusiness, value-chain infrastructure, and export-focused ventures, and encouraged youth groups and cooperatives to submit well-prepared, bankable proposals, particularly those developed through partnerships.
Masake also highlighted Agribank as an important source of support for young people in the agricultural sector.
“Agribank remains your steadfast ally for emerging and young farmers through: The Agri-Pioneer Scheme, tailored for youth aged 18-35, with relaxed terms, low interest rates (starting at 7%), flexible grace periods, off-take agreements instead of strict collateral, and tolerance for shortfalls to help you start and scale; Youth agribusiness loans, production financing, equipment, and infrastructure support; Affirmative Action Loan Scheme for land acquisition under resettlement,” Masake added.
She added that the ministry also seeks to support young people in agriculture through extension services, mechanisation and training programmes, irrigation and green scheme opportunities, land allocation with post-settlement support, and aquaculture and fisheries initiatives that can be adapted to inland regions.
“But let me be direct: Access demands preparation. Strong business plans, registered cooperatives or enterprises, discipline, and accountability open these doors widest,” Masake said.
