Namibian Defence Ministry overspends budget by N$252.9 million

Namibia’s Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs overspent its approved budget by N$252.9 million during the 2024/25 financial year. According to an Auditor-General report, the department spent N$7.14 billion against an authorised budget of N$6.88 billion.

The overspending is largely attributed to a 5% salary adjustment implemented in April 2024. The Namibian Army recorded the highest overspending at N$114.97 million, followed by the Namibian Navy at N$56.14 million, the Air Force at N$21.31 million, the training division at N$17.86 million, and Special Forces at N$11.32 million. Conversely, the Military Hospital recorded an under-expenditure of N$4.5 million due to difficulties filling specialised medical positions.

While the Auditor-General issued an unqualified opinion on the financial statements, concerns were raised regarding unauthorised expenditure and performance management. Specifically, a N$4 million payment to the Agrotour Development Initiative Project (ADIP) was flagged as lacking documented Cabinet or Treasury approval. Opposition politicians have questioned the government’s financial controls, arguing that such budget deviations bypass parliamentary scrutiny.