Pally Creative Empowerment Foundation fuels youth entrepreneurship and creativity

The Pally Creative Empowerment Foundation was established in 2024 in Windhoek in honour of Paulus Pally Haihambo. Founder Victoria Haihambo said the organisation was created to continue his support for entrepreneurship and creative work, particularly among young people.

Youth engagement lies at the heart of the foundation’s mission, with a focus on young writers, entrepreneurs and creatives who often lack access to resources, mentorship and opportunities. Through structured programmes, participants develop practical skills in business development, storytelling, communication and leadership.

Key initiatives include the Startup Business Accelerator Programme, Writers Workshop Programme and collaborative product development sessions. These programmes combine training with hands-on participation, allowing young people to lead group activities, develop ideas and present their work.

“We aim to empower young people with the tools, knowledge and support they need to grow and succeed,” Haihambo said, adding that participants are encouraged to take ownership of their projects and build confidence through real-world application.

Real-world impact

The foundation has recorded concrete results, including participants developing business ideas, completing manuscripts and receiving support toward publication. One example is a young entrepreneur who used seed funding from the foundation to expand a solar energy business serving households without electricity.

Collaboration also plays a role in the foundation’s growth. Partnerships with organisations such as the International Peace Youth Group and international volunteers have contributed to programme development and exposure to new insights.

Despite its impact, the foundation faces limited funding, relying on voluntary support and internal contributions to run programmes. It is seeking partnerships, sponsorships and resources to expand its reach and offer more in-person training opportunities.

Looking ahead, the foundation plans to expand its programmes, strengthen mentorship and equip more young people with entrepreneurial and creative skills. Its long-term goal is to support self-reliant youth who can create opportunities, contribute to the creative economy and positively impact their communities.