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.
The Minister of Finance says the national budget is not merely a statement of numbers but an instrument of fiscal reform which advances disciplined consolidation anchored on primary budget balance.
The debate on the appropriation bill is now set to proceed to the committee stage.
Swapo Party MP Sharonice Busch says the national budget must be assessed not only by what it allocates but also by whether it changes the economic structure of the country in a meaningful and durable way.
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.
