Government Assures NYOTA Beneficiaries as Second Tranche Disbursement Nears
Principal Secretary for MSMEs Development Susan Mang’eni during a past engagement. The government says preparations for the nationwide disbursement of the second tranche of NYOTA business start up capital are in the final stages.
The government has assured beneficiaries of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project that preparations for the disbursement of the second tranche of business start up capital are in the final stages.
In a statement issued on Friday, the State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development said it was aware of growing inquiries from beneficiaries and members of the public regarding the release of the next phase of funding under the project.
The department also raised concern over the circulation of false notices and misleading information on various online platforms, warning beneficiaries against relying on unverified sources for updates about the programme.
Principal Secretary for MSMEs Development Susan Mang’eni said the government remained fully committed to supporting young entrepreneurs through the initiative and was working to ensure the smooth rollout of the second tranche across the country.
“The Government remains fully committed to supporting young entrepreneurs across the country through this transformative project,” said Mang’eni.
She noted that the NYOTA Project continues to play a critical role in empowering young people by providing them with financial support and opportunities to establish and grow sustainable businesses.
The Principal Secretary explained that the nationwide disbursement process was currently being finalized and that beneficiaries would soon receive a comprehensive update on the way forward.
According to the department, a press conference has been scheduled for June 2, 2026, during which government officials will provide detailed information on the next phase of implementation and address concerns raised by beneficiaries.
“The preparations for the nationwide disbursement of the second tranche of business start up capital are currently being finalised,” Mang’eni stated.
The announcement comes amid heightened anticipation among thousands of young entrepreneurs who benefited from the first phase of the programme and have been awaiting the release of additional funding to expand their businesses.
Since its launch, the NYOTA Project has been viewed as one of the government’s flagship youth empowerment initiatives aimed at tackling unemployment and promoting entrepreneurship among young people. The programme seeks to provide financial support, skills development and business mentorship to youth across different sectors of the economy.
Government officials say the initiative is designed to equip young entrepreneurs with the resources needed to establish viable enterprises, create employment opportunities and contribute to economic growth.
However, in recent weeks, social media platforms have been awash with unverified notices claiming to provide information on the release of the second tranche. Some of the messages have caused confusion among beneficiaries, prompting calls for official clarification from the government.
The State Department cautioned beneficiaries against acting on information that has not been communicated through official government channels.
“We have noted with concern the circulation of fake notices and misleading updates online purporting to provide information on the next steps of the NYOTA Project Business Support Component,” the statement said.
The department emphasized that any official communication regarding disbursement dates, eligibility requirements or implementation procedures would be issued through authorized government platforms.
Beneficiaries were advised to remain patient as the government concludes the necessary preparations ahead of the nationwide rollout.
The government further encouraged young entrepreneurs to continue strengthening their enterprises and preparing for future growth opportunities while awaiting the release of the funds.
“In the meantime, beneficiaries are encouraged to remain patient, ignore unverified information and continue building and strengthening their businesses as they wait for the second tranche disbursement,” Mang’eni said.
The upcoming press conference is expected to provide greater clarity on timelines, implementation plans and any additional support measures that may accompany the second tranche of funding.
Stakeholders have welcomed the government’s assurance, noting that the programme has the potential to transform the lives of many young people by enhancing access to capital and creating pathways to economic independence.
With preparations now at an advanced stage, beneficiaries across the country will be looking forward to the June 2 briefing for confirmation on when the funds will be released and how the next phase of the project will be implemented.
The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring the success of the NYOTA Project, saying the initiative remains a key pillar in its efforts to empower youth, stimulate entrepreneurship and promote inclusive economic development across the country.
