The Omusati Governor Immanuel Shikongo says the launch of Namibia's first-ever Youth Fund is a step towards economic emancipation.

The Omusati Region receives N$320,000.
The Governor encouraged youth to be innovative for the fund to create sustainable businesses that will drive the economy and develop the region.

"We are here to hand over a symbolic cheque of N$320,000, of which each constituency receives N$25,000 as an investment in your ideas, your energy and your future. I want you, my young people, to be patriotic, and not just in word but in action. You should lead ethically, speak the truth, stand tall, create space to engage, to debate, to dream together and many, many other things. Let us thank her excellency for her belief in the youth to transform our nation."

He encouraged beneficiaries to self-improve and attend training and mentorship programmes to grow their businesses.

Omusati Regional Youth Forum Chairperson Rakel Ashivudhi lauded the initiative, saying it will uplift the youth and eventually their families.

"I am happy because this money will make an impact at the grassroots level in the villages there, where we are going to make an impact to ensure that all the young people in the great Omusati region will do something productive."