NYEF to launch N$10 million Youth Energy Fund
The Namibia Youth Energy Forum (NYEF) will unveil a N$10 million Youth Energy Fund at the inaugural Namibia Energy Connect and Energy Trailblazer Awards 2025, taking place in Windhoek on 4 and 5 November.
The fund, hailed as a transformative step for youth empowerment in the country’s energy sector, is aimed at supporting young professionals, youth-owned enterprises and small to medium businesses operating in and around the energy value chain.
NYEF, founded in 2024 by Namibian youth, has quickly established itself as the nation’s leading platform for youth engagement in oil and gas, hydrogen and renewable energy. The organisation enjoys full endorsement from NAMCOR Namibia, TotalEnergies and other international and local partners.
“This initiative has been a long-standing goal for us,” said Fanuel Shinedima, NYEF director and chairperson of the management board. “The Youth Energy Fund is more than just financial support; it is a strategic tool to unlock potential, strengthen local content and create meaningful opportunities for Namibian youth.”
Strategic pillars
The fund is structured around four core pillars:
• Capital allocation, offering accessible financing to youth-led enterprises with growth potential.
Infrastructure development, supporting projects in Namibia’s emerging energy hubs, including Lüderitz and Walvis Bay.
• Local content and contract financing, enabling local businesses to take part in procurement and service delivery across the energy sector.
• Growth support and capacity building, providing technical assistance, training and business development services to enhance sustainability.
The initiative is closely aligned with the Namibian government’s call for inclusive, private-sector-led development and with NYEF’s mission to educate, inspire and equip the country’s youth for a sustainable energy future.
Collaborative approach
NYEF emphasised that partnerships are central to the fund’s success. By mobilising resources through collaboration with local and international stakeholders, the forum hopes to create a resilient and inclusive energy ecosystem.
“We are inviting Namibians from government, industry, civil society and communities to join us on this journey,” Shinedima said. “This fund is our response to the urgent need for meaningful youth participation in the country’s energy transition.”
The fund, hailed as a transformative step for youth empowerment in the country’s energy sector, is aimed at supporting young professionals, youth-owned enterprises and small to medium businesses operating in and around the energy value chain.
NYEF, founded in 2024 by Namibian youth, has quickly established itself as the nation’s leading platform for youth engagement in oil and gas, hydrogen and renewable energy. The organisation enjoys full endorsement from NAMCOR Namibia, TotalEnergies and other international and local partners.
“This initiative has been a long-standing goal for us,” said Fanuel Shinedima, NYEF director and chairperson of the management board. “The Youth Energy Fund is more than just financial support; it is a strategic tool to unlock potential, strengthen local content and create meaningful opportunities for Namibian youth.”
Strategic pillars
The fund is structured around four core pillars:
• Capital allocation, offering accessible financing to youth-led enterprises with growth potential.
Infrastructure development, supporting projects in Namibia’s emerging energy hubs, including Lüderitz and Walvis Bay.
• Local content and contract financing, enabling local businesses to take part in procurement and service delivery across the energy sector.
• Growth support and capacity building, providing technical assistance, training and business development services to enhance sustainability.
The initiative is closely aligned with the Namibian government’s call for inclusive, private-sector-led development and with NYEF’s mission to educate, inspire and equip the country’s youth for a sustainable energy future.
Collaborative approach
NYEF emphasised that partnerships are central to the fund’s success. By mobilising resources through collaboration with local and international stakeholders, the forum hopes to create a resilient and inclusive energy ecosystem.
“We are inviting Namibians from government, industry, civil society and communities to join us on this journey,” Shinedima said. “This fund is our response to the urgent need for meaningful youth participation in the country’s energy transition.”
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