TIRI MASAWI
The government has set aside N$58 million to improve the salaries and benefits of politicians and other public office bearers in the 2026/27 financial year.
Public office bearers are individuals holding elected or appointed positions in government, including members of Parliament, regional councils, ministers and judicial officers.
Finance minister Ericah Shafudah confirmed the allocation while tabling the national budget in the National Assembly on Thursday, making politicians among the beneficiaries of the budget.
“N$58 million is earmarked for the improvements to the basic pay and benefits of the Public Office Bearers (POBs),” Shafudah said.
In contrast, pensioners will receive a N$100 increase to their monthly grants from August. This will see pensioners receiving N$1600 per month from the current N$1700. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah had initially promised to increase pension grants to at least N$3000 per month after taking office.
The increase for politicians comes at a time when the country is struggling with high unemployment, especially among young people. Industry has also been slow to absorb graduates, often citing a lack of experience.
The total national budget stands at N$104 billion, with an operational budget of N$81.3 billion for 2026/27. This represents an increase of N$746 million from the N$80.6 billion allocated in 2025/26. Social sectors such as health and education received the largest share of spending.
Public office bearers last received a 6% salary increase under former president Hage Geingob, following recommendations from the Public Office Bearers’ Remuneration and Benefits Commission, which proposes salary and benefit changes for politicians.
Shafudah said the government plans to fund some infrastructure projects, including housing, roads and water, through State-Owned Enterprises and other non-budget sources to offset reductions in the development budget.
She also revealed that government debt is projected to increase from N$174.6 billion in 2025/26 to N$217.3 billion by 2028/29.
“Total debt as a percentage of GDP is projected to stabilise around 67.5% throughout the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework period. Domestic debt constitutes the majority, while foreign debt plays a role in diversifying funding sources,” she said.
Government’s financing needs are expected to peak at N$19.2 billion in 2026/27, up from N$14.5 billion in 2025/26, before declining in the following years.
Interest payments are also projected to increase from N$14.3 billion in 2025/26 to N$16.2 billion in 2026/27, and further to N$17.8 billion by 2028/29. Interest payments are expected to average about 4.5% of GDP.
Shafudah said the government has started implementing the Commonwealth Meridian debt management system to improve efficiency and transparency in managing public debt.
She added that the government will use blended finance, public-private partnerships and private sector participation to fund key infrastructure projects.
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