The Namibia Youth Energy Forum (NYEF) is proud to announce the launch of the Youth Energy Fund, a N$10 million transformative initiative, dedicated to empowering young Namibians and strengthening local content in the country’s energy sector. The fund will be officially unveiled at the Namibia Energy Connect & Energy Trailblazer Awards, scheduled for 04–05 November 2025 in Windhoek.
Founded in 2024 by Namibian youth, NYEF has rapidly grown into the country’s leading platform for youth engagement in Oil & Gas, Hydrogen, and Renewable Energy. With full endorsement from NAMCOR Namibia, TotalEnergies and other local and international partners, NYEF is committed to building a sustainable and inclusive energy future driven by young professionals and entrepreneurs. “This initiative has been a long-standing goal for us,” said Fanuel Shinedima, Director and Chairperson of the Management Board of NYEF.
“We are proud to see it take shape, and we are deeply grateful to our partners who have walked this journey with us. 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 Vision and Purpose
The Youth Energy Fund is designed to support professionals, youth-owned businesses and local SMEs operating in and around the energy sector, with a particular focus on Oil & Gas and emerging industries that serve the energy value chain. The fund will also provide targeted support to young professionals.
Key strategic pillars of the fund include:
- Capital Allocation: Providing accessible financing to youth-led enterprises with scalable potential.
- Infrastructure Development: Supporting energy-related infrastructure projects, especially in Lüderitz and Walvis Bay, Namibia’s emerging energy hubs.
- Local Content & Contract Financing: Enabling local businesses to participate in procurement and service delivery across the energy sector. Namibia Youth Energy Forum Reg No: 21/2024/0930 Windhoek, Namibia
- Growth Support & Capacity Building: Offering technical assistance, business development services, and training to enhance competitiveness and sustainability.
This initiative aligns with NYEF’s broader mission to educate, inspire, and create opportunities for youth in the energy sector, while complementing the Namibian Government’s call for inclusive, private-sector-led development.
Collaborative Approach
NYEF has partnered with a range of local and international stakeholders to mobilize and deploy resources for the Youth Energy Fund. These partnerships are central to the fund’s success and reflect a shared commitment to building a resilient and inclusive energy ecosystem. “We are inviting Namibians, from government, industry, civil society, and communities, to join us in this journey,” added Shinedima. “Let us hold hands, share ideas, and pool resources to ensure that we develop our energy sector together. This fund is our response to the need for meaningful youth participation and enterprise development in Namibia’s energy transition.”