NYC completes NextGen Facility Incubation Programme
Supporting youth entrepreneurs
The National Youth Council of Namibia (NYC), in partnership with Bellatrix Investment Managers, has completed its NextGen Facility Incubation Programme aimed at empowering young Namibian entrepreneurs. The programme provided essential training to 103 youth, helping them refine the feasibility, desirability, and viability of their business ideas while also improving their business models, marketing strategies, and financial management skills.The NextGen Facility’s 2-month online incubation programme, which began in June 2024, attracted 504 applications from across the country, highlighting a strong demand for entrepreneurial support among Namibia's youth. After a pre-screening process, 398 participants moved on to the Idea Validation stage, with 214 completing this phase. Of these, 103 entrepreneurs advanced to the final stage, known as “Cook”.
These youth entrepreneurs, representing all 14 regions of Namibia, submitted their funding applications, including business plans, at the end of September. During October, NYC and Bellatrix will assess these applications and select the first cohort of beneficiaries for collateral-free financing from the NextGen Facility. This financial support, ranging from N$50 000 to N$100 000 over a three-year term, will assist 20 to 30 entrepreneurs in sectors such as sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, tourism, natural resource management and waste recycling.
The NextGen Facility was launched as a response to Namibia's growing youth unemployment crisis. It aims to provide both financial and non-financial support to youth-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The programme focuses on fostering innovation and growth in critical sectors that contribute to sustainable development.
NYC thanked the Basecamp Business Incubator, a social enterprise affiliated with Bellatrix, which facilitated the entire incubation programme at no cost to the participants or NYC. Basecamp plays a vital role in supporting Africa’s start-up ecosystem by nurturing new, innovative ideas and helping them grow into sustainable businesses.