Land acquisition for agricultural projects was one of the most pressing issues raised by participants during an information session on the National Youth Development Fund application process.

This was revealed by the Ministry of Finance’s Public Relations Officer, Jonathan Swartz, during a three-day session held in Keetmanshoop that started on Monday.

Over 50 young people attended the session hosted by the ||Kharas Regional Governor Office in collaboration with the National Youth Development Fund Committee.

"There was a particular question on agriculture, and this is one of the biggest projects you can get into, and the ministry itself, we came up with a mentorship programme and a coaching programme before you can get into any big business. The government is giving the loan out. We are going to mentor, we are going to teach these young people the business principles, and we will bring in experts to teach them."

Swartz highlighted some of the questions raised by young people during Monday's National Youth Development Fund engagement.

"Very important questions were raised in today's session, they were very inquisitive with their questions. What came out was when can they apply? It is very important now, which is on the 24th of December, for youth all over the country to apply, and I think that is very important. The other thing that came out is, where can they submit their applications? So within Keetmanshoop, because they have three development institutions, which are the Development Bank, AgriBank and Environmental Investment Fund, they can either give them in there or at the councillor's office or governor's office. That is what the youth spoke about, which is the process of applying and clarity on the loan itself."

The National Youth Development Fund team will move to the Hardap Region from the 4th to the 6th of December for similar engagement sessions.