By: Peneyambeko Jonas
While access to start-up capital remains a challenge for many young people, some Namibian students are turning their Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) non-tuition allowances into start-up capital for their hustles.
For many Namibian students, the annual non-tuition allowance provided by NSFAF is mainly used to cover living expenses such as accommodation, food and transport.
However, some students are choosing to invest part of the allowance into small businesses, creating an additional source of income while studying.
Given the cost of living, some students are multiplying their allowance through simple hustles in the trading space and acquiring basic equipment to offer daily services.
Speaking to The Villager, final-year student at the University of Namibia (UNAM), Aletta Nepembe, said she realised that setting aside a small portion of her allowance could help her become financially independent.
“Student life is hard, but one can find a breakthrough in the non-tuition fees. I used N$700 to buy an Inuka business start-up kit and started selling perfume. The business has been helping me buy my cosmetics and food when the NSFAF money is finished,” she said.
Nepembe believes many students can benefit from using a portion of their allowances to start small businesses instead of relying entirely on the funds for immediate consumption.
Another student, Kornelia Ismael, invested part of her NSFAF allowance in an online clothing business through SHEIN. Although the venture came with challenges, she said it has provided valuable business experience.
According to Ismael, competition from established sellers, delays in shipping, and customs clearance procedures have affected the business.
“It was challenging because there were already many people selling the same products. We also experienced delays with shipping and at customs, but I have never regretted starting the business as a student,” she said.
For Veronika Kalola, entrepreneurship became a necessity rather than a choice. She said she launched her clothing business during her first year at university after receiving her first non-tuition allowance.
“I started my business in my first year as soon as I received my first NSFAF non-tuition fees, which I used to order six dresses from South Africa. NSFAF refunds are only paid from April to October, so the business helps me support myself financially while waiting for the next payment,” she explained.
Kalola added that being an orphan influenced her decision to become self-employed while studying.
“I am an orphan, and being a student on your own is expensive. That is one of the reasons I started this business, so that I can also ease the financial burden on my guardian,” she said.
The experiences shared by the three students highlight an alternative use of student financial support beyond meeting immediate living costs.
While the NSFAF allowance is not intended as business capital, investing a small portion into low-cost enterprises has enabled some students to generate additional income throughout the academic year.
Their businesses have helped cover daily expenses during periods when allowances have been exhausted or while waiting for subsequent NSFAF payments.
For some, these ventures also represent an opportunity to build entrepreneurial skills before entering the labour market.
With youth unemployment remaining a challenge in Namibia, the students argued that small business ventures can provide practical experience and create income streams that continue after graduation.
The students identified opportunities to start businesses with relatively small amounts of money, allowing them to reduce financial pressure during their studies while laying the foundation for future self-employment.
