Shafudah tables budget focusing on State efficiency, performance reform

WINDHOEK, 26 FEB (NAMPA) – Minister of Finance, Ericah Shafudah, on Thursday tabled the 2026/27 National Budget in the National Assembly, unveiling a strategic allocation focused on government oversight and public service efficiency.
The budget, which prioritises policy coordination and governance, provides N.dollars 6.1 billion for the functions of state management. This allocation covers the "machinery of government" votes, including the Office of the President, the Office of the Prime Minister, the National Assembly, and the National Council.
Presenting the budget, Shafudah emphasised that this funding is designed to strengthen capacity while enforcing expenditure ceilings.
“The government is committed to the efficiency of public service delivery. This requires that the machinery of state is lean and effective in driving our development goals,” Shafudah stated.
A focus for this fiscal year is the finalisation of policy instruments under the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6). The Office of the Prime Minister, as the custodian of the public service, has been tasked with the transition toward performance-based budgeting across government ministries.
This reform is intended to move the state away from input-based spending toward a model that rewards productivity and efficiency.
“We are transitioning toward outcome-based budgeting to ensure that every cent of taxpayer money is linked to developmental outcomes,” the minister explained.
The specific allocations within this sector include N.dollars 1.2 billion for the Office of the President to handle executive support and policy coordination, while the Office of the Prime Minister receives N.dollars 535 million for civil service management and reform. The legislative branch sees N.dollars 416 million allocated to the National Assembly for parliamentary oversight and N.dollars 134 million for the National Council’s regional representation and legislative scrutiny.
Shafudah also highlighted the digitisation of government processes as a part of the 2026/27 strategy. By accelerating the shift toward e-government solutions and an integrated financial management system, the administration aims to reduce delays, curb expenditure, and increase transparency in public decision-making, she said.
“Our focus remains on prudence and the professionalisation of the civil service. We are building a framework that is accountable and responsive to the needs of the Namibian people,” Shafudah concluded.
(NAMPA)
CW/AS/HP