Education ministry increases textbook budget to N$51 million

The Ministry of Education has allocated N$51 million for the procurement of textbooks and Learning Support Materials (LSMs) for the 2025/26 financial year. This represents a 27.5% increase from the N$40 million allocated during the 2024/25 cycle.The allocation was confirmed in an official letter signed by the ministry’s executive director and accounting officer, Erastus Haitengela, and addressed to chief regional officers and directors of education.“The budget allocation for textbooks and LSMs for the 2025/2026 financial year is N$51 million,” Haitengela wrote. “These funds are to be utilised to procure and top up textbooks for all grades, as well as other relevant LSMs such as teaching aids and laboratory equipment.”According to the ministry, regional allocations were determined using learner statistics from the 2025 Education Management Information System (EMIS) and were guided by the national textbook policy. The budget also takes into account data gathered during the annual stocktaking of materials conducted in May.Buy nowRegions have been directed to begin procurement immediately, using the Direct Procurement Method and the most recent textbook catalogues approved by the National Institute for Educational Development (NIED).Inspectors of education, senior education officers and school principals are expected to facilitate and oversee implementation at school level.The Khomas Region, which has more than 109 000 learners, received one of the highest allocations at just over N$4.7 million. Other regions with larger school populations, such as Ohangwena, Omusati and Oshikoto, also received allocations exceeding N$4 million. Regions with smaller learner populations, including ?Kharas and Omaheke, received allocations of just over N$2 million.Based on the projected national learner population of approximately 1.2 million for 2025, the ministry estimates the average textbook allocation at around N$41.50 per learner.The textbook budget, according to the Ministry of Education, is intended to enhance the availability of learning materials across all public schools. This follows repeated concerns raised by education stakeholders, including teacher unions and school principals, about textbook shortages and learners having to share materials in key subjects such as Mathematics and English.In his letter, Haitengela urged regional education offices to implement the procurement process without delay.“Your prompt action in this regard will be highly appreciated,” he noted.The ministry stated it would continue to monitor the rollout to ensure materials are delivered before the 2026 academic year begins.

Education ministry increases textbook budget to N$51 million

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-04

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Education ministry increases textbook budget to N$51 million

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-04

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