Information and Communication Technology Minister Emma Theofelus has backed the Appropriation Amendment Bill, arguing that the revised budget reflects the economic and fiscal pressures facing Namibia.

Contributing to the debate in the National Assembly, Theofelus pointed to geopolitical tensions, inflation, foot-and-mouth disease and the risk of El Nino as factors affecting the economy and household livelihoods.

She highlighted that the budget deficit for the 2025/26 financial year had widened to 5.9% of GDP from 4.1% in the previous financial year, while the debt-to-GDP ratio had declined from 67.3% to 65.4%.

Theofelus also defended the proposed reallocations towards social welfare and infrastructure, arguing that the budget sought to balance immediate needs with job creation and long-term development.

She cautioned against expecting the Finance Minister to resolve challenges beyond the government's control, expressing confidence that future budget planning would take into account concerns raised during the debate. 

"Honourable Speaker, I feel very confident as we move past this difficult hurdle around the Appropriation Amendment Act and the consultations that are to come up for the new financial year. I am very confident that the Minister of Finance will find a further balance with an Amendment Bill with better projections around the issues that are being raised by honourable Venaani just now and the ability for our economy to grow."