Patience Makwele
Vice President Lucia Witbooi has called for greater support for young entrepreneurs living with disabilities, saying they are proving every day that disability is not inability through business ownership, innovation and job creation.
Speaking at the closing of National Disability Week in Lüderitz on Thursday, Witbooi said young people with disabilities continue to make meaningful contributions to Namibia’s economy despite facing barriers that often limit their access to funding, training and business opportunities.
“You are changing our economy. You are starting businesses, employing fellow citizens and providing community leadership,” Witbooi said.
She noted that many young Namibians with disabilities are building successful enterprises, yet continue to encounter challenges that make it harder to compete on equal footing with other entrepreneurs.
Witbooi revealed that she has directed the Division of Disability Affairs to ensure income-generating projects for persons with disabilities are revived and operationalised through capacity building and additional resources.
The directive forms part of the government’s broader efforts to improve economic participation and reduce dependence among persons with disabilities.
Youth entrepreneur and disability advocate Cataleya Mwaka Simwanza said many young people with disabilities possess the talent and determination to succeed in business but often struggle to access financing.
“Most young entrepreneurs with disabilities are not asking for special treatment. What they want is equal access to opportunities. A lot of times as a society we still view disability as a risk factor rather than looking at the viability of the business idea. That mindset continues to lock many young people out of economic opportunities,” Simwanza said.
She said access to startup capital, mentorship and business development programmes remains a major obstacle for aspiring entrepreneurs.
“When young people with disabilities are given the right tools and support, they become employers instead of job seekers. We have seen examples of youth-owned businesses in tailoring, technology, agriculture and retail succeeding despite limited resources,” she added.
Disability rights activist and youth development specialist Simon Kambonde welcomed the government’s commitment to revive disability projects but cautioned that implementation would be key.
“We have heard many good policies over the years, but young people want to see action. Reviving projects should not simply mean reopening facilities. It should mean creating sustainable businesses that generate income and allow young people with disabilities to become economically independent,” Kambonde said.
He added that youth unemployment remains disproportionately high among persons with disabilities due to discrimination, inaccessible workplaces and limited training opportunities.
“Many young people with disabilities are highly educated and skilled, yet they remain excluded from economic participation. Supporting disability-owned businesses is one of the most practical ways to create jobs and reduce poverty within this community,” he said.
According to Witbooi, the government remains committed to closing gaps in access, participation and representation for persons with disabilities through various programmes, including financial support, rehabilitation services, assistive devices and skills development initiatives.
She urged both the public and private sectors to play a greater role in supporting disability inclusion, saying an inclusive Namibia can only be achieved when every citizen is given a fair opportunity to contribute to national development.
