Opposition criticises National Budget as rushed

By: Envaalde Matheus

The opposition says the 2025/26 National Budget was rushed and lacks opportunity.

Finance minister Erica Shafudah tabled the budget on Thursday.

PDM MP Inna Hengari said the budget was rushed, and the Minister did not have sufficient time to ensure coherence and proper allocation of funds.

“One would expect a certain level of continuity, given that the transfer of power was not between different political parties but within the same party.”

“This should mean that the strengths of the previous administration under President Hage Geingob would be recognised and built upon by President Nangolo Mbumba’s administration. Rather than a complete reset, the focus should be on completing unfinished projects and ensuring that key programmes are successfully implemented,” said Hengari.

AR leader Job Amupanda raised concerns over the absence of the physical budget document, saying it limits scrutiny and accountability.

“It was concerning to see that we were discussing a budget without the necessary documents readily available,” said Amupanda.

He said budget documents are crucial and need proper analysis and discussion.

“Instead, we were told they would be sent later, which was unsettling. You can’t have a budget being presented without the essential paperwork in place, it undermines transparency and informed decision-making,” said Amupanda.

Swanu leader Evalistus Kaaronda urged the government to prioritise rural economic industrial projects and housing in the budget’s implementation.

“There’s got to be deliberate efforts made to generate industrial opportunities in Namibia’s rural economy, where the greatest majority of our people reside.”

“That naturally, of course, would upset the ever-prolific increase in rural urban migration. So, the need for urban housing,” he said.

However, ICT Minister Emma Theofelus said the budget accommodates youth development and social welfare and addresses the current economic climate.

“I must first commend her for presenting the budget in less than a week since her appointment, an impressive achievement,” Theofelus said.

The minister said the budget clearly reflects the commitments of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and her administration.

“Looking at the overall allocations across the 40 budget votes, it’s evident that the allocation for youth programs has increased,” she said.