Allexer Namundjembo
The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs overspent its 2025/2026 budget by 3.67%.
This was driven by high personnel costs. During the 2025/2026 financial year, defence was allocated N$7.49 billion.
The Ministry of Finance later suspended N$11 million from the development budget, reducing the allocation to N$7.48 billion.
More than 60% of the budget went to personnel expenditure, while goods and services accounted for 22%. Spending on capital assets and infrastructure increased to 18%, aimed at upgrading facilities.
The ministry expects a budget execution rate of 99.8% and reported six consecutive years of clean audit outcomes.
Defence and veterans affairs minister Frans Kapofi revealed this on Monday as he presented the budget for the current financial year.
Kapofi said the budget aims to support veterans and preserve the history of the liberation struggle.
“Through these programmes, we aim not only to improve the welfare of our veterans, but also to preserve and promote the rich and treasured history of Namibia’s Liberation Struggle,” he said.
He said veterans remain central to the country’s peace and unity.
“The peace and unity we enjoy today are the fruits of freedom and independence secured through the immense sacrifices of the gallant sons and daughters of our soil,” Kapofi said.
The veterans affairs programme received N$1.535 billion in 2025/2026, with 94.16% of the funds used.
More than N$1.05 billion was spent on monthly financial assistance, benefiting 23 694 veterans.
Kapofi said the new budget will focus on service delivery, clearing outstanding payments and improving support to veterans.
He said the ministry faces challenges, including post-traumatic stress disorder, demand for specialised healthcare and delays in individual veterans’ projects.
The ministry plans to recruit 1 500 young people each year into the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) until 2029/2030.
Currently, 1 705 recruits are in training at the Osona Training Centre and are expected to graduate in May 2026.
A total of 2 419 members have been trained in combat and academic skills.
Kapofi said defence spending supports stability and economic activity.
The land operations programme will receive N$3.31 billion, including N$587.5 million for development.
The funds will be used to upgrade military infrastructure and complete projects such as the ministry’s head office, expected in 2027.
Airspace protection will receive N$432.3 million to strengthen surveillance and response systems.
Kapofi said the government will continue working with finance minister Ericah Shafudah and National Planning Commission director general Kaire Mbuende to secure funding for veterans’ programmes.
