A government worker secretly put N$10 million into the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board budget without permission. Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah found the extra money when she looked over her budget presentation. The minister became very angry about the surprise addition that happened at the last moment. Ministry spokesperson Wilson Shikoto confirmed someone moved the funds to youth projects instead. Officials started looking into what happened, but refused to name the person responsible.
Sources say Shafudah felt disappointed that a senior ministry worker made the change without telling her. The discovery led to questions about whether NIPDB asked for the money or if the official acted alone. Catherine Shipushu from NIPDB denied knowing about the accusations against their organization. She called the situation an internal ministry problem that did not involve the investment board. The board claims they had no part in whatever took place with the budget changes.
Budget expert Robin Sherbourne noted that the national budget speech mentioned nothing about NIPDB during his April analysis. The organization exists as a Section 21 company under the Office of the President but remains in institutional uncertainty. Shafudah presented a N$106.3 billion budget for the 2025/26 financial year during March. The Office of the President budget increased by 11 percent from N$135.137 million to N$150.137 million.
Sources say Shafudah felt disappointed that a senior ministry worker made the change without telling her. The discovery led to questions about whether NIPDB asked for the money or if the official acted alone. Catherine Shipushu from NIPDB denied knowing about the accusations against their organization. She called the situation an internal ministry problem that did not involve the investment board. The board claims they had no part in whatever took place with the budget changes.
Budget expert Robin Sherbourne noted that the national budget speech mentioned nothing about NIPDB during his April analysis. The organization exists as a Section 21 company under the Office of the President but remains in institutional uncertainty. Shafudah presented a N$106.3 billion budget for the 2025/26 financial year during March. The Office of the President budget increased by 11 percent from N$135.137 million to N$150.137 million.
