Budget cuts leave ACC 'limping' in anti-graft fight

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) enters the 2026/2027 financial year under mounting pressure, with its budget yet to recover to previous levels and operational challenges flagged by director-general Paulus Noa still unresolved.

The commission has been allocated N$109 million for the 2026/2027 financial year, following a reduction from N$117 million to N$103 million during the 2025/2026 financial year.

Motivating the allocation in the National Assembly, Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila outlined the revised funding as part of government’s broader budget framework.

She described the commission as the country’s lead anti-corruption body tasked with advancing the fight against corruption.

However, speaking to staff in Windhoek in February, Noa warned that resource constraints limit the commission’s ability to fulfil its mandate and called for increased funding and capacity.

“The commission can no longer be ignored and left limping while expected to perform miracles in corruption investigations," he said.

"Adequate funding and capacity building of the personnel of the commission are key to the effective investigation and combat against corruption."

Staff losses mount, public trust betrayed

The allocation represents just 0.12% of the national budget, leaving Namibia’s primary anti-corruption watchdog operating within a limited fiscal envelope at a time when demands on oversight institutions are increasing.

Of the N$109 million, N$89 million is earmarked for operational activities, while N$20 million is set aside for capital development, mainly for the construction of a regional office in Oshakati.

In February, Noa pointed to staffing pressures, warning that the commission continues to lose experienced personnel to better-paying institutions.

“The commission is being poached of so many highly trained and experienced officials. These officials joined other public or private institutions that offer better salaries and working conditions," he admitted.

"Their departure has left a very big gap in the operation of the commission in all directorates and divisions,” he added.

Noa also highlighted the impact of delays in investigations on public trust.

“Particularly, delays in completion of investigation of alleged corruption, corruption risk assessments and implementation of mitigation plans result in a breach of contractual agreement between ACC and the public,” Noa said.

Personal costs

A breakdown of the operational budget shows that a significant portion is absorbed by personnel costs across all divisions.

The investigation division, which includes forensic, anti-money laundering and intelligence functions, has been allocated N$35 million, with about 90% of that amount earmarked for remuneration and related expenditure.

Only N$2 million has been allocated for software licensing and critical investigative tools, including the electronic case management system and forensic analysis platforms. At the same time, N$100 000 is set aside for consultancy services in complex investigations.

Administrative functions account for N$27 million, with nearly half of that amount going to salaries. Utility costs, including municipal services and telecommunications for offices in Windhoek, Swakopmund, Otjiwarongo, Oshakati and Rundu, account for a further N$4.8 million, while N$2.8 million is allocated to rental expenses.

Public education and corruption prevention programmes receive N$17.5 million, but just N$808 000 is allocated to outreach, awareness campaigns and training, highlighting the limited budget for preventive measures.

The Office of the Director-General is allocated N$4.9 million, with about 90% directed to remuneration.

Smaller allocations are made to security and risk management, as well as performance improvement functions.

The budget structure reflects a recurring pattern in which the majority of funding is consumed by personnel costs, leaving limited resources for operational expansion, investigative capacity and preventative programmes.

Big gap

The budget cuts come as Namibia prepares for an on-site assessment by the Financial Action Task Force in April.

The commission is also tasked with implementing the third national anti-corruption strategy and action plan (2026–2030), which requires sustained funding for both investigative and preventative work.

While government maintains its commitment to a corruption-free Namibia, the commission continues to operate on a constrained budget, with limited scope to expand as oversight demands grow.

In 2024/2025, the ACC registered 127 cases. Of these, 67 were investigated, 50 dismissed for lack of substance or information, and 10 referred elsewhere. Only 12 reached court, resulting in seven convictions, four acquittals and one withdrawal.