Angula eyes Youth Fund qualification… crafting traditional products

Former cattle herder Martin Angula is hoping to secure funding from the National Youth Development Fund (NYDF) to acquire machinery that would help him increase production and grow his traditional woodcraft business.

The 30-year-old entrepreneur from Uuhahe village in the Ohangwena region makes wooden spoons, forks, pots, dishes, walking sticks and other products inspired by traditional craftsmanship.

However, limited access to machinery has restricted his ability to produce more items and expand his business.

Angula believes traditional wooden products still have a place in modern society, particularly at a time when many households rely on plastic utensils and other manufactured goods.

His ambition is to preserve traditional skills while developing products that appeal to a wider market.

Angula said he hopes to acquire a tree-cutting machine, a stump grinder and other equipment that would make his work easier and faster.

Angula’s interest in woodcraft began while he was herding cattle at his father’s farm, Okayoka in the Nehale lya Mpingana constituency in 2016 after failing grade 12.

While looking after cattle, he began making traditional wooden items, gradually developing his skills and exploring the potential of turning his craft into a source of income.

His work includes everyday household utensils and other handmade products that reflect traditional knowledge and the use of wood.

Angula also experiments with new designs to meet changing customer preferences.

He said he wants to demonstrate that traditional craftsmanship can remain relevant in modern markets rather than being limited to products used by previous generations.

His participation in trade fairs has provided opportunities to showcase his work to different audiences. He has exhibited at trade fairs in Ongwediva, Okongo, Eenhana, Otjiwarongo and Swakopmund.

These platforms have helped him present his products beyond his immediate community and expose potential customers to his work.

Angula said he received sponsorship through the Oyetu project at the Community Skills Development Foundation of Namibia (COSDEF), which supported his development as a craftworker.

Despite his determination, he has experienced setbacks along the way. His workshop was broken into in 2021, leaving him with significant losses and forcing him to reconsider how to rebuild his work.

“I told myself that I started with nothing, and I’ll pick myself up and start again with nothing,” he said.

He said the lack of machinery remains one of his biggest challenges. Producing items by hand takes time and limits the number of products he can make.

With suitable equipment, he hopes to increase output, improve efficiency, and respond better to customer demand.

He said he struggled getting assistance from people to purchase machinery.

Angula said he was previously unaware of the available funding opportunities for young entrepreneurs.

However, through information he encountered in newspapers and ministry of youth as well as COSDEF, he learnt about business registration and the importance of formalising his enterprise.

He subsequently registered his business; a step he hopes will help him pursue financial support and expand his operations.

“I am just waiting for my certificate from Namra and social security,” he said.

Angula is now looking towards the National Youth Development Fund as a possible source of financing for the machinery he needs.

He has not yet secured funding through the initiative but hopes to seek support that would allow him to move beyond small-scale production.

He said access to equipment could make a significant difference to the amount of work he completes and the number of products he can offer customers.

The NYDF was launched by Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare in September 2025 to support young Namibians seeking to establish or grow businesses.

The initiative provides financing and business support intended to help young people turn viable ideas into sustainable enterprises and create employment opportunities.

Finance ministry progress update reported that the fund had disbursed approximately N$90.8 million to beneficiaries, while approved projects were projected to support 2 500 jobs.

It had also received 13 809 applications by August 2026, reflecting strong demand for youth-focused financing.

Angula said he wants to secure machinery that will enable him to produce more wooden items while continuing to develop designs suited to modern customers.

He hopes his craft business can become more sustainable while keeping craftwork skills alive for future generations.

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