Research conducted by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) indicates that Namibia is on track to spend approximately N$1.6 billion subsidising political parties represented in Parliament over a 10-year period.

The analysis, based on budget documents from the Ministry of Finance, combines actual and projected spending from 2020 to 2030. By the end of the 2029/30 financial year, political parties represented in Parliament will have received about N$1.6 billion in state funding.

According to the report, the spike is most visible in election years. In 2024 alone, more than N$31 million extra was added compared to the previous financial year.

Looking ahead, N$552 million is projected between 2025/26 and 2027/28. Over the full 2025–2030 parliamentary term, the figure climbs to N$921 million.

Frederick Links, a research associate, said that in the current financial year alone, nearly N$550 million is expected to be allocated through the National Assembly vote.

Frederick Links added that the projected N$1.6 billion expenditure comes as Namibia continues to grapple with high unemployment and poverty, raising fresh questions about political financing and fiscal priorities.