The eight key performance areas that the NYDA has adopted include:
 

• Economic Participation: This is aimed at enhancing the participation of young people in the economy through targeted and integrated programmes. Here, the NYDA will support businesses and social enterprises that promote job placement, self-employment and income generating activities.
  
  
• National Youth Service: The programme provides youth with meaningful and accredited skills and activities that benefit their communities through national service and patriotism.
  
  
• Social Cohesion: The NYDA will engage young people in activities that build their social capital, networks and strengthen the relationships that bind people and communities together with the aim to drive young people into reaching their personal goals.
  
  
• Education and Skills Development: Through this, the NYDA aims to promote access to quality education and skill to in-school as well as out-of-school youth. This will be done through second chance interventions for school drop-outs as well as School to Work programmes.
  
  
• Research, Monitoring and Evaluation: The NYDA will generate research, knowledge and best practice in the youth development sector. This will establish the various ways in which the government, business and other partners can contribute in youth development.
  
  
• Policy, Lobby and Advocacy: The programme will create a platform and dialogue forums to engage the government, civil society for the purpose of mainstreaming youth development.
  
  
• Effective and Efficient Management Resources: This is aimed at setting efficient and effective management processes that will ensure resources are managed optimally. It will be done through risk management, legal, improved business processes, management processes and development controls.
  
  
• Information and Communications: The NYDA will provide young people with information about opportunities and career guidance.