Over 500 Youth Enterprises Backed by YDF Since 2009, Says Minister Chombo

Over 500 Youth Enterprises Backed by YDF Since 2009, Says Minister Chombo. Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, Lesego Chombo, has announced that more than 500 youth-led businesses have received support through the Youth Development Fund (YDF) since its launch in the 2009/10 financial year. She shared the update during a recent kgotla meeting held in Mochudi.

According to the Minister, a total of P41.7 million has been disbursed through the fund to date. Out of the supported businesses, 469 are still in operation, reflecting the ongoing impact of the initiative.

In the current financial year (2024/25), YDF has provided assistance to 54 youth-owned enterprises, with a combined funding amount of P5.3 million. The existing funding limits are P100,000 for individual entrepreneurs and P450,000 for business partnerships.

Minister Chombo noted that the government is reviewing the fund’s structure and access requirements to make it more effective and accessible for young entrepreneurs.

She also addressed a range of challenges faced by Botswana’s youth in starting and sustaining businesses. These include difficult entry requirements for new businesses, limited land availability, high costs of launching a venture, and broader social issues such as early pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, and child abuse.

The Minister pointed out that areas like Oodi, Modipane, and Dinokeng in the Kgatleng District are among those most affected by youth unemployment and poverty.

For entrepreneurs across Botswana, the Youth Development Fund remains a key source of support. Ongoing reforms and investments are expected to help remove some of the barriers that hinder business growth and participation among young people.