Landless People's Movement (LPM) leader Bernadus Swartbooi criticised government's handling of public debt, declining diamond revenues and the future of the green hydrogen and oil industries, warning that poor management could undermine future economic opportunities.
Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture Dino Ballotti defended the ministry's performance, citing investments in classrooms, teachers, digital infrastructure and tertiary education.
Affirmative Repositioning MP George Kambala has emphasised that Namibia cannot borrow its way to prosperity if it fails to invest in productivity.
A national budget is the government’s financial roadmap. It sets out how much revenue is expected and how public funds will be allocated to key priorities and sectors.
Parliamentarians in the National Council applauded the Ministry of Finance for a well-crafted budget amid tough global and domestic conditions, as they contributed to the Ministry of Finance's vote at the committee stage.
Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah has ruled out any immediate increase to the national budget, stating that the government will only review allocations once there is clearer evidence of economic growth.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security plans to use N$8.1 billion to respond to present demands while building a stronger system for the future.
The defence sector has been allocated about N$7.5 billion for the 2026/2027 financial year.
Deputy Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs (MoDVA), Charles Mubita, motivated a N$1.52 billion budget for the vote of Veteran Affairs for the 2026-2027 financial year.
Dr Mubita said this budget will be aimed at improving the welfare of liberation struggle veterans and preserving Namibia's history.
The Finance Ministry has tabled a N$12.8 billion operational budget for the 2026-2027 financial year.
Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah, in tabling her ministry's budget, stated that it aims at sustaining core government functions and service delivery.
