Opposition parties have expressed concern over the requirements to access the newly established Namibia Youth Development Fund (NYDF).
They caution that strict criteria and a short application window may prevent many young people from benefiting from the scheme.
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, Dr. Job Amupanda of the Affirmative Repositioning criticised the short application timeframe of seven to ten days, as required by some regional councils, as well as an environmental compliance certificate, which he described as unrealistic for most young people to obtain, given such short notice.
He argued that this arrangement could favour politically connected individuals already in possession of such certificates, reducing the fund to "a scam aimed at syphoning public funds" rather than supporting genuine youth development.
Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venaani echoed similar concerns, saying the limited application period would restrict young people from adequately preparing and submitting proposals.
Venaani stressed that while the fund is a positive initiative, the short deadlines and technical requirements could undermine its goal of supporting youth economic participation.
"So we are calling upon the Ministry of Finance to really look at the conditionalities of the youth fund. 10 days is too short. Allow at least a period of 30 days so that more and more young companies and young people can be able to access the youth fund. As it stands today, we know that that N$200 million will only cover for the children of ministers."
The Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises is still to launch the N$257 million fund, which will offer loans at low interest rates, ranging from 2% to 4%.
The facility targets youth-owned enterprises, start-ups, cooperatives, and innovative projects, with priority given to agriculture and agroprocessing, green and eco-friendly initiatives, as well as manufacturing and value addition.
Spokesperson in the Ministry of Finance Wilson Shikoto said the short deadlines presented by some governors were simply meant to fast-track the process and raise awareness among prospective beneficiaries.
He said the national call for applications that will be issued by the Ministry of Finance in September will not have deadlines.
Shikoto continued that the ministry will conduct boot camps in the regions to educate the youth about writing business proposals and inform them about other requirements.
Some regional governors have started to introduce support measures in their regions.
In Otjozondjupa, Governor John ||Khamuseb spearheaded a training programme this past weekend to assist youth in drafting business plans and addressing queries around applications.