Namibia allocates N$797 million for environment, forestry and tourism in 2025/26 budget

Indileni Daniel, minister of environment and tourism, delivered in the National Assembly, Windhoek, on 6 May 2025

---

Introduction

With great respect, humility and a deep sense of duty and responsibility, I rise before this august House to present Vote 18 – the budget for the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism for the 2025/2026 financial year.

The ministry is mandated in terms of Article 95 (l) of the Namibian Constitution to ensure the maintenance of ecosystems, essential ecological processes and biological diversity, and the utilisation of living natural resources on a sustainable basis for the benefit of all Namibians, both present and future.

The ministry plays a critical role in the sustainable use of our natural resources and the fair and equitable sharing of related benefits.

Vote allocation for the current financial year 2025/26

I am pleased to announce that the ministry has been allocated a total of seven hundred and ninety-seven million, six hundred and twenty-six thousand Namibian dollars (N$797 626 000) for the 2025/26 fiscal year.

This allocation comprises:

• Operational budget: N$727 626 000
  
• Development budget: N$70 000 000
  

This year’s allocation reflects a 16.37% increase in operational funding and a 30.1% decrease in development budget compared to 2024/25, resulting in an overall increase of 9.93% in total budget.

We appreciate the recognition of our critical mandate related to sustainable development, environmental protection, wildlife conservation, climate change mitigation, and tourism development.

Despite the allocation remaining below the ideal level, we are committed to delivering maximum value through efficiency, strategic resource use and impactful outcomes. Our efforts align with Sustainable Development Goals, Vision 2030, National Development Plan 6, the 2024 Swapo Party Manifesto, and our Strategic Plan.

Programme 01: Wildlife and protected area management

Allocated: N$346 095 000

Focus areas include national park management, wildlife protection, human-wildlife conflict mitigation, and Community-Based Natural Resource Management.

Key initiatives:

• Rebuilding Etosha National Park’s 824 km boundary fence (147 km completed)
  
• Preventative measures for human-wildlife conflict (elephant-safe water points, predator-proof kraals)
  
• Compensation of nearly N$9 million to 86 communal conservancies and N$3.4 million to other communities affected by wildlife
  
• Recruitment of 50 youth into Anti-Poaching Unit to protect rhinos, elephants and pangolins
  
• Support to 86 conservancies benefiting 300 000 people
  
• Funding support from the German government, Global Environmental Facility and Game Product Trust Fund
  

Programme 02: Protection and management of key species and natural habitats

Allocated: N$45 622 000

Objectives include monitoring, research, and conservation of high-value species such as elephants, rhinos and pangolins.

Achievements:

• Over 200 rhinos dehorned as a poaching deterrent
  
• Translocation of 57 wildlife (zebras, giraffes, oryx) to conservancies and protected areas
  
• 240 zebras distributed under Wildlife Breeding Stock Scheme
  
• Over 100 jobs created through new tourism concessions
  
• Seven concessions awarded in 2024, eleven planned for 2025/26
  
• Issues with some concessions are under review
  

Programme 03: Tourism growth and development and gaming regulation

Allocated: N$51 255 000

This programme supports recovery and growth of tourism and gaming sectors. Achievements include:

• Tourist arrivals increased from 169 565 (during pandemic) to 863 872 in 2023
  
• Planned outputs include a National Spatial Tourism Development Master Plan, revised tourism policy, and new Tourism Act
  
• Development of National Gaming Policy and establishment of a National State Lottery
  
• Namibia Tourism Board to explore new markets (Asia, Middle East, North America)
  

Programme 04: Environment and natural resources protection

Allocated: N$189 112 000 (second largest programme)

Key components:

• Implementation of the Environmental Management Act, Forest Act and Access to Biological and Genetic Resources and Traditional Knowledge Act
  
• ECC System modernisation to streamline and digitise the application process
  
• Legislative reform to address regulatory gaps
  
• Forest Act compliance, wildfire management, bee-keeping promotion, tree planting and crime prevention
  
• Operationalisation of the ABS Office to manage benefit-sharing agreements and material transfers
  

Namibia has secured N$4 billion in climate funding over the past decade, with N$1.3 billion in current projects, despite ongoing threats posed by climate change.

Programme 05: Infrastructure development and maintenance

Allocated: N$33 748 000

Projects include:

• Upgrade of 214 km of tourist roads in Etosha National Park and Namib-Naukluft Park
  
• N$4.48 million for park boundary fence maintenance and water facilities
  
• Repairs and electrification of fences, procurement of materials for Etosha and Mahango parks
  
• N$42 million for renovations at ministry headquarters and regional offices
  
• Restoration of water supply to Galton Gate, drilling of new borehole in Mahango Park
  
• N$5.29 million for infrastructure at Etotha Carnival to ensure hygiene and safety
  

Programme 06: Policy coordination and support services

Allocated: N$131 794 000

Aims to ensure compliance with statutory requirements, improve institutional performance and support service delivery. Includes:

• Financial and human resources management
  
• Support for 30 apprenticeships, 50 internships and 25 graduate internships to promote youth employability and economic empowerment
  

Conclusion

I extend my appreciation to my predecessors and all ministry staff for their commitment and hard work. I also thank the minister of finance and director-general of the National Planning Commission for their support in this budget.

I now respectfully request this house to approve the total budget allocation of N$797 626 000 for the 2025/26 financial year.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.