The Ministry of Finance has proposed an allocation of N$7.2 billion towards social grants for the 2025-2026 financial year under Vote 09 of the Appropriation Bill.
Presenting the motivation for the budget allocation, Minister of Finance Ericah Shafudah said the programme aims to improve payment systems for social grants by investing in automation and efficiency.
“The investment supports the delivery of social protection to the most vulnerable, reinforcing the government’s commitment to equity and inclusive growth,” Shafudah stated.
The proposed funding includes N$3.7 billion for Old-Age Grants, N$47.8 million for Funeral Benefits, and N$65.8 million for the Conditional Basic Income Grant.
Other allocations include N$877 million for Vulnerable Grants, N$36.9 million for Foster Care Grants, N$417 million for Maintenance Grants, N$955 million for Disability Grants for Adults, and N$152 million for Disability Grants for Minors.
Turning to youth development, Shafudah announced a proposed N$257 million allocation for the establishment and operationalisation of the National Youth Fund.
“This initiative reflects government’s commitment to creating sustainable economic opportunities for the youth and driving inclusive growth through strategic public investment,” she said.
The Fund, still under policy development, will outline eligibility criteria, governance structures, and funding modalities before the end of the current financial year.
On infrastructure, the Ministry’s Development Budget for 2025/26 proposed N$87.7 million. Of this, N$59 million will be used to finalise the establishment of a One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) at the Trans-Kalahari Border Post. Feasibility studies for OSBPs at Katima Mulilo and Oshikango are also planned.
“In addition, an amount of N$28.8 million has been proposed to support feasibility studies for the renovation and upgrading of strategic airports across the country,” Shafudah noted.
The airports targeted include Lüderitz and Walvis Bay, aiming to position Namibia to capitalise on opportunities from the growing green hydrogen industry.
She noted that further studies will assess the development needs at Rundu and Katima Mulilo airports to boost regional air connectivity and tourism.
Shafudah also announced that a feasibility study will be conducted for the development of a second passenger terminal at Hosea Kutako International Airport.
“This will ensure that we are adequately prepared to meet increasing passenger volumes and to enhance the efficiency and quality of service at our primary international gateway,” she said.
