Deputy Minister Masake calls on youth to lead in agriculture and agribusiness

Conservative agriculture farmer (Photo credit: FAO Namibia)

Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Ruthy Masake has urged young people to take a proactive role in agriculture and agribusiness, describing youth participation as key to national economic transformation under the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6).

Masake delivered the call to action on Friday at the Oniipa Agri-Youth Engagement in the Oshikoto Region, where she spoke of the importance of expanding youth involvement across farming, agro-processing, and climate-smart agricultural practices.

“Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Namibia’s economy, employing a significant portion of the population and offering opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.”

She stressed that engaging young people in the sector is crucial for boosting food security, job creation, value addition, and long-term economic diversification, objectives aligned with national planning priorities.

To support youth ventures, Masake pointed to a range of funding and support mechanisms available through government and development partners:

National Youth Development Fund (NYDF) — a government-backed financing initiative that provides loans without collateral for youth-led enterprises, including in agribusiness (ages 18–45).

Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) — offering project financing for small and medium enterprises.

Agribank — providing specialized agricultural loan products, including schemes targeting youth and women farmers.

Additional ministry programmes promoting skills, innovation, and technical support across the agricultural value chain.

Masake also said that young people must enter the sector with strong business plans, accountability, and a willingness to innovate, particularly in areas like agro-processing, climate-resilient farming, and value chain development.

Her remarks come amid broader national efforts to empower youth entrepreneurs and tackle stubbornly high youth unemployment, currently estimated at over 40%. Government data shows that the National Youth Development Fund has already mobilised substantial financing for youth-led enterprises in agriculture and other priority sectors.

Masake’s appeal echoes similar regional initiatives encouraging youth engagement in agriculture as a viable and profitable economic pathway, not merely a survival strategy