Discussions on the Appropriation Bill commenced today, with MPs stating that more should be put towards development projects rather than operational costs, which now exceed N$80 billion, with only N$3,6 billion allocated towards development expenditure.

"We can continue to remunerate teachers, nurses and police officers, an ethical and practical necessity, but the fiscal arithmetic increasingly prevents us from constructing the modern schools, equipping the clinics or maintaining the roads these professionals need to deliver effective services," contributed PDM MP, Inna Hengari. 

IPC MP Michael Mwashindange suggested that additional funds be allocated towards education to address youth unemployment.

"This budget structure is skewed towards maintenance costs and lower capital outlays. It cannot generate the rapid expansion of productive capacity required to reduce unemployment substantially."

Swapo MP Tobie Aupindi, despite supporting the Bill stated that more should be done to support SMEs, as the informal sector, representing a third of the country's output, remains financially excluded.

"It is an economic inefficiency. When the majority are locked out of capital, the domestic market cannot grow. We need more than just empowerment passwords. We need a radical shift toward distributive capital. This means moving from a wage-based economy for the many to an asset-based economy for all. We must finalise a new economic empowerment framework that focuses on real ownership, not just the boardroom or staircase."