Allexer Namundjembo
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has signed the 2025 appropriation act into law, authorising a national budget of N$89.4 billion for the financial year ending 31 March 2026.
The budget details appear in the Government Gazette No. 8657 dated 6 June, following approval by parliament.
The ministry of education received the largest allocation at N$24.8 billion.
The ministry of finance follows with N$14.6 billion, and the ministry of health and social services with N$12.2 billion.
The ministry of home affairs, immigration, safety, and security will receive N$7.8 billion, while defence will receive N$7.4 billion.
Opposition parties raised concerns about the budget’s priorities.
The Namibian Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) representative in Parliament, Kalimbo Iipumbu, criticised the government’s fiscal approach and called for stronger measures to address economic problems.
Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venaani called for greater funding for housing, agriculture, and infrastructure.
“We expect budget allocations to prioritise agriculture for job creation and food security, housing and sanitation, reforms in the education sector, and the infrastructure development of dilapidated schools,” he said.
He also called for investments in upgrading hospitals.
“These four critical areas are essential to transforming Namibia into a food-secure and job-creating economy,” he said last month.
Swanu’s MP, Evilastus Kaarond,a opposed the possible revival of Air Namibia.
He called it a luxury the nation cannot afford and urged the government to focus on job creation through rural industrialisation, more investment in healthcare and education, and support for communities affected by droughts and floods.
He also called for improved rural roads and the creation of an employment-creation fund.
Landless People’s Movement (LPM) MP Utaara Mootu also demanded more spending on education and health.
She said the government should invest in hospital and clinic upgrades, essential medicine procurement, and the recruitment and training of medical professionals.
On Air Namibia, she said, “The feasibility and economic viability of the project should be informed by empirical research, not emotions.”
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) said the budget showed continuity rather than change.
It noted the budget recommitted the government to reaching a primary surplus, cutting debt-to-GDP levels, meeting foreign debt obligations, and reducing non-mining corporate tax.
However, the IPPR said the budget lacked new initiatives and did not reflect key priorities in the Swapo manifesto or its implementation plan.
It expressed hope that future budgets would bring more meaningful change.
