Affirmative Repositioning MP George Kambala has emphasised that Namibia cannot borrow its way to prosperity if it fails to invest in productivity.

Contributing to the budget debate, Kambala said the decline in diamond taxes and royalties, from N$5.8 billion to just over N$400 million, exposes another weakness of vulnerability to commodity cycles.

"We cannot control every movement in the global market, but we can control whether our economy remains digitally dependent on it. Implementing a 2% reduction across every vote will not solve a structural problem. A link in the national treasury requires more than simple editing; it requires us to identify the source."

Swapo Party MP Ephraim Nekongo, in support of the Bill, commended the government for effectively managing inflation and maintaining a positive trade balance. This demonstrates the government's commitment to the themes of people, productivity, and prudence.

"We have mobilised approximately N$40 million for the green reserve and about N$179 million for disease containment. Additionally, AgriBank has advanced around N$366.9 million to approximately 544 clients, with a specific focus on empowering women and youth in our rural economy. A robust healthcare system is essential; we are working to transform the health landscape."

Several MPs also made their contributions.

"Failure to address fundamental issues means that many Namibian families are struggling to put food on the table, despite the country’s abundant natural resources and low population. How can the government justify the situation in which so many Namibians are living below the poverty line?" explained the leader of the NDP, Lukato Lukato.


"Every major infrastructure project should address a fundamental question: How many Namibians will this project employ? Which local businesses will benefit, and what productive capacity will remain after the funds have been spent? Young people need jobs, small businesses require markets, farmers need infrastructure, and informal traders need support," added the leader of NEFF Longinus Iipumbi.