Rehoboth Youth Expo opens doors to opportunity
The Rehoboth Town Council has launched the inaugural Rehoboth Youth Connect Festival & Expo 2026, aimed at connecting young people with opportunities in education, employment, entrepreneurship, skills development and funding.
The week-long event brings together government ministries, educational institutions, financial organisations and development partners to provide young people with practical information and support. Deputy Chairperson of the Management Committee, Councillor Shoafanu Nowases, described the expo as "the beginning of a new chapter in the story of youth development in Rehoboth".
She said young people were already contributing to society as entrepreneurs, innovators, artists, athletes, students and community leaders, but needed greater access to opportunities. Councillor Dawid Keister said the initiative was developed in response to concerns raised by young people during the Mayor's Let's Talk Initiative, including unemployment, limited access to tertiary education, funding and career guidance.
He said youth development should be viewed as an economic priority, adding that investing in education and entrepreneurship could strengthen the workforce and create jobs.
Junior Mayor Deborah Libbert called for practical action to address barriers facing young people, including limited access to education, finance, mentorship, markets and employment. "Young people do not need endless speeches about empowerment. We need environments that make empowerment possible," she said.
The expo is supported by various government ministries, NUST, the Namibia Training Authority, financial institutions and development partners.
Activities will continue throughout the week, offering career guidance, entrepreneurship support, higher education information, financial literacy programmes and networking opportunities.
The programme will conclude with the launch of the Mayoral Youth Development Fund and a Mayoral Gala Dinner.
