A recent report by the Open Budget Survey (OBS) reveals Namibia’s progress on budget transparency, while also highlighting areas for improvement. Namibia scored 54 out of 100 on the transparency scale, falling short of the 61-threshold indicative of sufficient public access to budgetary information. This score, however, represents an improvement from previous assessments.
According to the report, while the availability of key budget documents has increased, with the Audit Report and Year-End Report now published online, a gap remains in public participation.
Namibia’s score on the public participation scale sits at a mere 20 out of 100. The report identifies a lack of formal opportunities for the public to engage in the budget process at various stages, including formulation, approval, implementation and audit.
The report indicates that although the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises has implemented some initiatives, such as pre-budget deliberations and public consultations during budget execution, there remains a need for more inclusive practices and recommends engaging directly with vulnerable and underrepresented communities, potentially through civil society organisations, as a way to ensure inclusivity.
Namibia’s Parliament also faces calls for reform. The report suggests allowing public testimony during hearings on the budget proposal and the Audit Report this will reportedly enhance transparency and public trust in the budgetary process.
The report further says the oversight role of the legislature and the supreme audit institution (SAI) is another area requiring attention. While the SAI demonstrates adequate oversight capabilities, the Parliament’s role is currently categorised as weak.
The report recommends ensuring the Executive’s Budget Proposal reaches legislators well in advance of the budget year, along with the publication of legislative committee analysis online. Additionally, strengthening oversight during implementation through committee examination and online reporting is crucial.
On the other hand, Namibia’s position on budget transparency appears to be middling within Sub-Saharan Africa. While it outscores some countries in the region, such as Mozambique (47), Botswana (39), Lesotho (35), Zambia (34), Eswatini (30), Angola (26) and Malawi (6), it falls short of the example set by South Africa and Zimbabwe which boasts a score of 83 and 63 respectively.
The average transparency score for all countries assessed by the OBS is 45. Namibia surpasses this mark, indicating a somewhat better performance.
