NCRST hits 100% budget target
Raises N$46 million in grants
The National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) achieved full budget execution for the 2024/25 financial year and mobilised N$46.1 million in external grants to support national research and innovation programmes.
According to the NCRST’s Integrated Annual Report, the commission utilised the entire N$45 million government allocation within the reporting period, representing a 100% execution rate.
The report highlights that all planned operational activities were implemented within the approved timeframe.
In addition to government funding, NCRST drew N$12.5 million from external grants and spent N$11.1 million, achieving an 89% execution rate on external funds.
The combined operational budget execution rate for both government and external resources stood at 94%.
Growth and targets
A deficit of N$2.3 million was recorded for the year, primarily due to increased expenditure on programme activities and the recruitment of temporary employees.
The commission attributed this to growth in flagship initiatives such as the National Science Fair and Mathematics Olympiads, both of which recorded double the participation compared to the previous financial year.
The report notes that NCRST will maintain its focus on cost control measures, targeted investment strategies and diversified funding approaches to enhance financial sustainability.
Key priorities for the 2025/26 financial year include the implementation of the Second National Programme on Research, Science, Technology and Innovation (NPRSTI-II) and the execution of the organisational realignment plan. Both form part of the commission’s Institutional Strategic Business Plan (ISBP) 2024–2029, aimed at strengthening institutional efficiency and supporting Namibia’s research and innovation ecosystem.
According to the NCRST’s Integrated Annual Report, the commission utilised the entire N$45 million government allocation within the reporting period, representing a 100% execution rate.
The report highlights that all planned operational activities were implemented within the approved timeframe.
In addition to government funding, NCRST drew N$12.5 million from external grants and spent N$11.1 million, achieving an 89% execution rate on external funds.
The combined operational budget execution rate for both government and external resources stood at 94%.
Growth and targets
A deficit of N$2.3 million was recorded for the year, primarily due to increased expenditure on programme activities and the recruitment of temporary employees.
The commission attributed this to growth in flagship initiatives such as the National Science Fair and Mathematics Olympiads, both of which recorded double the participation compared to the previous financial year.
The report notes that NCRST will maintain its focus on cost control measures, targeted investment strategies and diversified funding approaches to enhance financial sustainability.
Key priorities for the 2025/26 financial year include the implementation of the Second National Programme on Research, Science, Technology and Innovation (NPRSTI-II) and the execution of the organisational realignment plan. Both form part of the commission’s Institutional Strategic Business Plan (ISBP) 2024–2029, aimed at strengthening institutional efficiency and supporting Namibia’s research and innovation ecosystem.
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