Rudolf Geiseb
Finance Minister Erika Shahuda proposed an allocation of N$7.2 billion to the social grant management program.
This was included in the motivation for the budget allocation she presented in the Parliament last Tuesday.
The program is one of nine major projects that the Ministry has lined up for fiscal year 2025/2026.
The program aims to improve the social grant payment system during fiscal year 2025/26.
“Investment here supports the provision of automation, efficiency and social protection for the most vulnerable people, and strengthens the government’s commitment to equity and inclusive growth,” she said.
Social grants paid this year were broken down as old age grants ($3.7 billion), funeral benefits (N$47.8 million), conditional basic income grants (65.8 million), vulnerable grants ($877 million), foster care ($36.9 million), maintenance grants (N$417 million), and 16.7 million n417 million. Disability subsidies for minors under the age of 16 (152 million n).
The province’s overall proposed budget allocation has landed at N$14.6 billion.
This is to pursue the Ministry’s strategic goals and ensure the effective implementation of constitutional duties and policy responsibilities.
This is deemed appropriate in terms of Section 10(1)(3) of the State Financial Act (Act 3.3, 1991), in addition to the N$13.7 billion allocated for debt services.
“To promote efficient implementation and accountability, the programme is structured into 18 more key sectors, each commissioned with specific functional responsibilities tailored to the Ministry’s broader financial and economic policy agenda. Therefore, the proposed allocations are not only a reflection of operational needs, but also a reflection of facility capabilities, strategic investments in the ultimate cutting edge of the nation.
Youth Fund
The ministry proposed an allocation of N257 million to establish and operate the National Youth Fund.
The fund aims to promote youth empowerment through targeted financial and non-financial support mechanisms.
The Minister said the framework for the operational policy currently under development will be finalized this fiscal year.
“This framework outlines eligibility criteria, governance structure and funding modalities. The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to creating sustainable economic opportunities for young people and promoting inclusive growth through strategic public investment,” she said.
Shahuda also allocated a total of $87.7 million to the ministry’s development budget for fiscal year 2025/2026.
Of this, $59 million is intended to establish a one-stop Border Post (OSBP) at the Border Post in Transkalahari.
“Femace surveys for establishing OSBPs in Katima Mulilo and Oshikango are also planned for fiscal year 2025/2026.
Additionally, N$28.8 million has been allocated to support feasibility studies of strategic airport renovations and upgrades across the country. These include airports in Luderitz and Walvis Bay to ensure that the opportunities that emerge from the growth of the green hydrogen industry can be fully utilized.
“A study of Rundu and Katima Mulilo Airports will be conducted to improve regional air connectivity and support the growth of the tourism sector. A feasibility study will be conducted to assess the development needs of the second passenger terminal at Hosea Kutako International Airport.
Economic Policy
$26.9 million was allocated to Economic Policy, a program that includes tax policy units and economic policy advisory services.
The minister said that appropriate funding ensures evidence-based policymaking and timely policy intervention that guides the national economy.
Under the same project, in line with international best practices, the ministry proposed a Fitch rating of $2 million and allocation to Moody’s investor services, respectively.
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“Working with at least two independent credit rating agencies is a globally recognized standard that ensures a balanced, objective and reliable assessment of the country’s macroeconomic and financial outlook,” she justified.
The revenue management program ($177 million) fixed by the Namibian Revenue Agency (NAMRA) promotes the mobilization of domestic resources.
Investing in the program is essential to expanding the tax base, modernizing tax management, and reducing tax gaps through increased automation and compliance, she added.
Third, the government spending management program, where an allocation of N$632 million, is being offered, is proposed through three specialist directors within the Ministry of Finance, which play a pivotal role in ensuring fiscal discipline, effective spending tracking and careful cash flow management.
Under the program, an allocation of $350 million is allocated to emergency provisions. It is intended to prepare you to address the unexpected, important, and inevitable costs that may arise.
