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.
Talks between President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and the Swanu of Namibia Party focused on several national issues, including the N$100 increase in the old age pension announced in the recent national budget, during today's courtesy meeting at State House.
Youth unemployment, recognition of the informal sector, and persistent gender gaps are among the key challenges that the National Budget has been criticised for failing to adequately address.
Independent Patriots for Change's leader Panduleni Itula says the party has identified the potential for a N$9.3 billion savings in the national budget for the 2026/2027 financial year.
Finance Minister Erica Shafudah will table the budget tomorrow in the National Assembly.
The national budget outlines key policy directions, spending priorities, and economic interventions that will directly impact households, businesses, and public institutions.
Minister of Finance Erica Shafudah is expected to table the 2026/27 Appropriation Bill in Parliament tomorrow.
To reflect on this, local economist Omu Kakujaha analysed possible areas of focus and outlined critical sectors that could form part of this year's budget.
In its quest to reduce dependency on foreign aid, Zambia has for the first time presented a national budget of an equivalent of N$184-billion.
Namibia is facing a growing public debt with levels projected to exceed N$168 billion, surpassing 70% of its Gross Domestic Product.
The newly formed Parliamentary Committee on Budget and Finance is conducting a two-week workshop in Swakopmund, focusing on strengthening public financial oversight across Namibia.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for urgent service delivery, stronger implementation of development programmes, and firm action against corruption.
