Statement delivered by minister of education, youth, innovation, sport, arts and culture Sanet Steenkamp at the National Assembly on 6 May 2025
Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture
Budget Motivation Statement — Vote 27: Sports, Youth and National Service
Financial Year: 2025/2026
I rise to motivate and seek your esteemed support for the budget allocation of Vote 27 for the 2025–2026 financial year.
Allow me to extend my thanks and sincere appreciation to the teams of the Ministry of Finance and that of the National Planning Commission for the effort in enabling the finalisation of this budget.
Budget overview
For the 2025/2026 financial year, Vote 27 has been allocated a total amount of N$1 266 802 000 (one billion, two hundred sixty-six million, eight hundred and two thousand Namibia dollars). This presents a 46% increase from the previous financial year allocation and underscores government’s commitment to youth empowerment and sport development.
The operational budget accounts for 60% of the total allocation. Of this, the largest share of 63% is dedicated to sports development, reflecting the ministry’s focus on enhancing sports performance and infrastructure. Youth development receives 24%, underscoring the government’s commitment to empowering young people through targeted programmes and services. The remaining 13% is allocated to administration and support services, ensuring effective coordination, governance, and oversight of all ministry activities.
The capital budget, constituting 40% of the total allocation, amounts to N$510 000 000. A substantial portion of 90% (N$460 000 000) is earmarked for the development and upgrading of youth and sports infrastructure across the country. The remaining N$50 000 000 is allocated to the creative arts industry, a vital sector with the potential to create jobs, promote cultural expression, and contribute meaningfully to the national economy.
Allow me to elaborate on the key programmes through which the budget of Vote 27 will be implemented during the 2025/26 financial year:
| Programme | 2025/26 | 2026/27 | 2027/28 |
| Youth development, training and employment | 301 127 000 | 315 532 000 | 310 250 000 |
| Sports development | 752 891 000 | 245 850 000 | 262 535 000 |
| Policy coordination and support services | 162 784 000 | 181 862 000 | 186 508 000 |
| Creative industries | 50 000 000 | – | – |
| Total | 1 266 802 000 | 723 247 000 | 737 934 000 |
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