Social sector receives largest portion of FY2026/27 budget

NAMPA

2026-02-26

Windhoek, 26 February- Minister of Finance, Ericah Shafuda at the tabling of the 2026/27 Appropriation Bill. (Photo by Eba Kandovazu). NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 26 FEB (NAMPA) - The social sector, encompassing education, health, social safety nets and youth empowerment, continues to command the largest share of government expenditure, Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah said on Wednesday.
Tabling the 2026/27 national budget in the National Assembly, Shafudah announced that the sector has been allocated N.dollars 54.3 billion, representing 61.7 per cent of the total budget, excluding interest payments.
“The prioritisation of education and health in this budget reflects the government’s firm commitment to the objectives of NDP6,” she said.
Shafudah noted that sustained investment in these areas is aimed at strengthening human capital, boosting productivity and advancing inclusive growth.
“Education equips our youth with skills for a modern economy, while health spending safeguards workforce participation and reduces long-term fiscal costs. Even in a constrained fiscal environment, the government is protecting these sectors because they are strategic investments in sustainable growth, fiscal resilience and intergenerational equity,” she said.
Of the total allocation, N.dollars 28 billion has been directed to the Education, Innovation, Arts and Culture sector. This includes N.dollars 2.8 billion for subsidised tertiary education and the alleviation of school congestion, as well as N.dollars 939 million earmarked for developmental projects. The Sports, Youth and National Services portfolio has been allocated N.dollars 750 million for the 2026/27 financial year.
Over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period, the social sector will receive N.dollars 83.6 billion.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has been allocated N.dollars 13.1 billion for 2026/27, including N.dollars 259 million for the recruitment of health professionals. Over the MTEF period, the ministry is set to receive N.dollars 38.5 billion to upgrade public hospitals and clinics to private sector standards.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Veteran Affairs has been allocated N.dollars 1.5 billion for the 2026/27 financial year, amounting to N.dollars 4.6 billion over the MTEF period.
Shafudah said the budget theme, “People, Productivity and Prudence”, serves as a call to action to cultivate human potential, strengthen growth drivers and safeguard fiscal sustainability.
(NAMPA)
UK/HP/AS

Windhoek, 26 February- Minister of Finance, Ericah Shafudaat the tabling of the 2026/27 Appropriation Bill. (Photo by Eba Kandovazu). NAMPA

Budget Shafudah

Business

Sinimbo says youth-led agriculture, jobs central to Kavango West growth

2026-06-12 16:41:27

Telecom Namibia, Angola Partner on Angosat-2 Satellite Connectivity Pilot

2026-06-12 15:17:06

Livestock movement restrictions lifted in Ohangwena, Kavango West

2026-06-12 10:09:43

Kavango West communities left waiting as borehole contract dispute stalls water projects

2026-06-11 16:32:08

National Planning Commission unveils strategic roadmap to 2030

2026-06-11 15:04:14

SME Fund to boost growth of local businesses

2026-06-11 15:01:23

Aranos vehicle clearance office opens

2026-06-10 18:04:43

CORRECTION: Internal audit key to preventing governance failures: Mukasa

2026-06-10 16:34:39

Ngurare urges GIPF to invest in key sectors

2026-06-10 15:44:02

JSC re-advertising Prosecutor General vacancy

2026-06-10 14:07:37

Bank Windhoek strengthens SME support with digital banking push

2026-06-10 13:43:50

Latest NAMPA photos

SWAKOPMUND, 11 July 2025 - Namibia emerged as the standout performer in the 2026 African country rankings, surging from 15th to 3rd place, largely driven by a favorable tax environment and improvements in other key areas. (Photo by: Isabel Bento) NAMPA.

NAMPA

SWAKOPMUND, 11 June 2026 -Speaker of the National Assembly Saara Kuugongelwa (far right), Erongo Governor Natalia /Goagoses (far left) photographed with ODEC management and staff and other political leaders during the unveiling of the Open Doors Education Centre (ODEC) Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Programme in Swakopmund on Thursday. (Photo by: Isabel Bento) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 11 JUNE 2026 - Namibia has released its Impact Assessment Report on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Accelerated Industrial Development for Africa (AIDA) in Windhoek on Thursday, an event commissioned by the Executive Director and Director General at the National Planning Commission, along with Jane Matsubara, JICA advisor; Mustafa Sakr, the Head, Trade and Market Unit at AUDA; and Akihiro Hoshino, Japan International Agency Resident Representative. (Photo by: Uakutura Kambaekua) NAMPA.

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 11 JUN (NAMPA) The National Planning Commission has launched its Strategic Plan for 2025/26 – 2029/30. The commission's executive director, I-Ben Nashandi (centre), led the launch alongside key strategic stakeholders in Windhoek on Thursday. (Photo by: Uakutura Kambaekua) NAMPA.

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 11 JUN (NAMPA) The National Planning Commission has launched its Strategic Plan for 2025/26 – 2029/30. The commission's executive director, I-Ben Nashandi (second from left), led the launch alongside key strategic stakeholders in Windhoek on Thursday. (Photo by: Uakutura Kambaekua) NAMPA.

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 11 June 2026 - Former first lady, Monica Geingos. (Photo by: Molly Weyulu) NAMPA

NAMPA

WALVIS BAY, 10 June 2026 - Delegates attending the Association of Local Authorities in Namibia (ALAN) Elective Congress in Walvis Bay. The three-day congress will conclude with a the election of a new leadership to guide the association for the next term. (Photo by: Isabel Bento) NAMPA

NAMPA