Tourism budget spending only at 45%

Namibia’s environment, forestry and tourism ministry has spent less than half of its 2025/2026 development budget, raising concerns about delays to key projects.

Of the N$70 million allocated to nine programmes and 38 capital projects, only N$31.1 million – about 45% – had been spent.

“This level of budget execution is concerning,” environment and tourism minister Indileni Daniel said during an annual staff address. She urged ministry staff to remain committed to ensuring resources are fully used to support conservation and tourism development.

Despite the low spending rate, Daniel praised employees for their work, saying the ministry’s achievements in 2025 were “first and foremost a reflection of their dedication.”

Progress report

The minister said rangers and wardens had protected conservation areas and wildlife, while forestry officials promoted the sustainable use of resources and tourism officers supported recovery initiatives.

Administrative and technical staff, she added, ensured that planning, financial management and reporting requirements were met.

Daniel said several key projects had also been completed, including infrastructure developments at Ngoma, Namutoni, Mukwe, K1 and K2, Hobas and the Fish River Canyon water pipeline. She also pointed to the inauguration of the Swakopmund office and the completion of the Okahandja forestry office.

Progress was also made on Etosha's tourist road upgrade project, a crucial development for improving access to tourism destinations and supporting local economic activity.

Daniel said these investments remain critical in strengthening operational capacity, improving working conditions for staff and enhancing the visitor experience in Namibia’s protected areas.

“Where challenges in implementation emerged, management intervened decisively," the minister noted.

She added that programme managers were required to refocus on priority outputs, improve coordination with procurement and finance units, and strengthen internal monitoring and reporting.

Daniel said these measures had contributed to improved execution rates, clearer accountability and better alignment between planned activities and available resources.

Daniel acknowledged additional challenges, including budgetary pressures, transport limitations, procurement delays, capacity constraints and operational difficulties in remote locations. These hurdles, Daniel said, highlight the ongoing need to strengthen planning, coordination, contract management and project implementation systems.