Allexer Namundjembo
The government is considering building a shared office complex for Namibia’s former presidents, prime minister Elijah Ngurare said on Thursday.
Ngurare said this is the idea, instead of constructing individual offices for each.
Ngurare made the announcement in Parliament while responding to questions from Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venaani about post-presidency arrangements for former president Nangolo Mbumba.
He explained that the Former President’s Pension and Other Benefits Act of 2004 governs the benefits extended to former presidents and does not require the construction of separate offices.
He said the idea of a shared office complex would ensure cost efficiency and allow for shared services among former heads of state.
“Such a model would promote long-term cost efficiency and shared services,” he said.
“I am pleased to inform the House that there are no plans to construct a new office for President Mbumba,” Ngurare said.
Mbumba, who succeeded the late president Hage Geingob in February 2024, served as Namibia’s fourth president until March 2025.
Ngurare added that the state does not pay rent on behalf of Mbumba, apart from covering standard utilities.
“The current framework is grounded in legislation passed by Parliament, and as such, any shift toward a different model will require a legislative review,” he said.
He emphasised that the presidency, as the implementing organ, “does not have legislative authority to amend such legislation.”
Previously, Namibia has built offices for former presidents after their retirement.
Former president Hifikepunye Pohamba’s office in Windhoek’s Eros area was constructed after his 2015 retirement, while an office for former president Hage Geingob is also planned.
The 2004 Act provides former presidents with a monthly pension equal to their salary, a fully furnished office, personal staff, security, transport, and medical aid to preserve the dignity of the office after leaving power.
Analysts have previously questioned the financial burden of maintaining multiple offices amid economic challenges.
A 2019 report highlighted concerns about the cost of running separate offices for former presidents and recommended a shared facility to reduce expenses.
