Minister of gender proposes holistic SME support to ensure youth business sustainability

By: Hertha Ekandjo

Minister of Gender and Child Welfare, Emma Kantema-Gaomas, has proposed a comprehensive approach to supporting youth-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Namibia, emphasising that not only financial assistance is needed but also mentorship, incubation, and access to markets.

Speaking during the first session of the 8th Parliament on Wednesday, Kantema-Gaomas expressed her support behind Vote 9, particularly highlighting Programmes 8 and 9.

She praised the transfer of social grant payments to the ministry of finance; a move she said will reduce administrative costs and improve efficiency in serving vulnerable populations.

Programme 8, with a budget allocation of N$7.2 billion, is dedicated to social grants management, underlining government’s ongoing commitment to supporting society’s most vulnerable.

“A nation is always measured by how it treats its vulnerable members,” the minister stated.

Focusing on Programme 9, which focuses on policy coordination and support services, the minister noted the operationalisation of the National Youth Fund, which has been allocated N$257 million.

She said the fund is a vital step towards ensuring youth inclusion in the mainstream economy by providing access to finance for young entrepreneurs.

However, the minister warned that access to finance alone is not sufficient. Drawing on her doctoral research, she noted that over 70% of SMEs in Namibia fail within their first five years, citing factors such as lack of mentorship, market access, and business development support.

“We must go beyond funding. Young entrepreneurs need coaching, mentoring, and incubation support,” she said. “It’s not enough to start up a business — we must help them graduate into sustainable enterprises.”

Moreover, she emphasised the importance of creating access to markets, referencing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a major opportunity for Namibian youth-led businesses.

With a combined GDP of US$3.4 trillion, the AfCFTA represents one of the world’s largest trading blocks and a significant potential outlet for local SMEs.

“We’ve already gazetted the tariffs, which is a crucial step forward,” she said. “Now we must ensure our youth are equipped and positioned to tap into this massive continental market.”

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The post Minister of gender proposes holistic SME support to ensure youth business sustainability appeared first on Future Media News.