The National Council started the committee stage of the Appropriation Bill for 2023/2024, discussing individual allocations to various ministries.

The allocation for the Office of the Prime Minister attracted significant attention from the MPs, who voiced concern that the amount was insufficient to aid drought-affected communities.

The National Council MPs made several suggestions with regard to the re-organization of government agencies, such as the separation of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board from the Office of the President. 

There were also recommendations for the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation to focus more on attracting foreign investment and to abolish the standing foreign policy of "friend to all, enemy to none," deeming it unrealistic.

The allocations discussed on Monday include that of the President which totals close to N$957 million, the Office of the Prime Minister with its allocation of more than N$478 million and the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation at just under N$933 million.

The Ministry of Defence is to be allocated over N$6 billion million, and the Judiciary is to receive over N$421 million.

Discussion on the remaining votes to various ministries is scheduled to continue.