NYC amplifies young voices with Youth Week

Building a sustainable future
By bridging the gap between youth ambition and national governance, the upcoming 19th annual National Youth Week aims to integrate the voices of Namibia’s largest demographic.
Rozanne Swart
  • 5 Days Ago

The Namibian Youth Council (NYC) last week launched its 19th annual National Youth Week, bringing together government and youth leaders ahead of the national event.

The launch was attended by the Minister of Education Sanet Steenkamp, NYC interim executive chairperson Patience Masua, and acting director Sircca Nghitila.

National Youth Week will take place from 27 to 30 April 2026 at the Windhoek Showgrounds. This year’s theme is “Young innovators, real impact: Turning challenges into solutions for Namibia.”

The event, hosted by the NYC, brings together youth delegates from all 14 regions, including representatives from constituencies, youth organisations and marginalised communities. It serves as a national platform to promote youth development, innovation and participation in socio-economic processes.

Masua said the week aims to unite young people from all 121 constituencies to discuss their needs and priorities. “This year, we will produce a policy document that captures the ideas shared and translates them into proposals that can inform law and policy at a national level.”

Steenkamp said the launch was intended to ensure broad participation and coordination across sectors. “It aims to ensure shared ownership, active participation, and coordinated support from the government, the private sector, civil society and development partners.”

She noted that Namibia’s youthful population presents both an opportunity and a challenge. “However, this advantage can only be translated into prosperity if young people are empowered, economically active and fully integrated into national development processes.”

Masua added that the programme will extend beyond panel discussions to include masterclasses in sectors such as technology, oil and gas, and agriculture. “These masterclasses are aimed at equipping young people and our structures at a constituency and regional level to develop annual plans. These plans will inform the programmes that the NYC will implement in the 2026/27 financial year.”

The NYC also unveiled a new logo at the launch, following a nationwide design competition. The winning entry was submitted by Izak Izak, a NIMT student from Tsumeb.