Windhoek:Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare announced that the government will maintain its freeze on recruiting non-critical public service positions due to budgetary constraints linked to low economic growth projections. This measure, initiated in March 2026, is expected to continue through 2027.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Ngurare explained to the National Assembly that the decision aims to limit government expenditure during challenging economic conditions. The freeze applies to unadvertised non-critical positions and is part of the government's strategy to manage finances more efficiently by reallocating resources to priority sectors.

Independent Patriots for Change Member of Parliament Elvis Lizazi questioned the recruitment freeze, highlighting a contradiction with the ruling party's pledge to create 500,000 jobs for Namibian youth over five years. He also inquired about the sectors targeted for job creation and expressed concerns over understaffing in Parliament.

Ngurare emphasized that the recruitment suspension is designed to enhance fiscal management and resource allocation. Nonetheless, recruitment for critical roles in health and education continues, and positions with prior approval or that become vacant due to normal staff movements can still be filled.

Addressing the job creation target, Ngurare stated that employment should be a collaborative effort involving government, state-owned enterprises, and the private sector.