Windhoek: Affirmative Repositioning (AR) Chief Whip, Vaino Tuhafeni Hangula, has called for a stronger focus on job creation, warning that the 2026/27 national budget does not go far enough in addressing unemployment and economic pressures. Speaking during the budget debate in the National Assembly on Wednesday, Hangula said while the budget places significant emphasis on social sectors, it lacks urgency in driving employment.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Hangula noted that education has been allocated N.dollars 28 billion, health N.dollars 13.1 billion, and the broader social sector N.dollars 54.3 billion, accounting for about 61.7 per cent of total expenditure excluding interest payments. 'These are not small commitments, and they show that government understands, at least in part, where the pain of ordinary Namibians is most deeply felt,' he said. Despite this, Hangula stressed that youth unemployment remains one of the country's most pressing challenges, with many young people still excluded from meaningful economic opportunities.

Hangula further highlighted ongoing challenges in the public health and education sectors, including staff shortages, limited resources, overcrowded classrooms, and a mismatch between education outcomes and labour market needs. He also expressed concern over the limited allocation to economic and infrastructure sectors, which he said are critical for job creation. According to him, these sectors receive only eight per cent and four per cent of the total budget, respectively. 'A nation that wants jobs must fund the engines of job creation,' he said, calling for increased investment in agriculture, manufacturing, energy, tourism and the digital economy.

Hangula warned that rising public debt remains a concern, with the budget deficit projected at 5.5 per cent of GDP, financing needs at N.dollars 19.2 billion, and total debt expected to reach N.dollars 217.3 billion by 2028/29. 'The more we spend servicing debt, the less room we have to improve service delivery and invest in economic growth,' he cautioned. Hangula urged government to put in place contingency measures to cushion citizens against rising costs, including investing in renewable energy, rural electrification and boosting local food production.