Namibian Defence Ministry faces scrutiny over N$252.9 million budget overspend

Opposition political parties in Namibia are challenging the government’s financial oversight following reports that the defence ministry overspent its approved budget by N$252.9 million during the 2024/25 financial year. According to the Auditor General, the department spent N$7.14 billion against a budget of N$6.88 billion. The overspending was attributed to a five percent salary adjustment implemented in April 2024.

The finance ministry noted that under the State Finance Act, the Treasury has the authority to approve additional expenditure for certain unbudgeted items within specific limits. However, IPC shadow finance minister Michael Mwashindange criticized the arrangement, suggesting that ministries may use these provisions to bypass parliamentary scrutiny.

While the ministry received an unqualified audit opinion, PDM secretary general Manuel Ngaringombe has called for the release of the August 26 audit report to address concerns regarding budget compliance. Governance lecturer Professor Johan Coetzee stated that while overspending does not inherently prove corruption, the ministry must provide explanations and ensure accountability. This follows several previous instances of budget overruns at the defence ministry in prior financial years.