Defence Minister Frans Kapofi has ordered tighter spending and warned of growing security threats as Namibia’s defence budget comes under pressure.

Speaking at a staff meeting in Windhoek yesterday, Kapofi said the ministry must “live within its means” while maintaining national security.

“This year, we are not likely to be funded at the same level. The fat has been skimmed off. I therefore expect a strengthened culture of fiscal discipline, value-for-money procurement and strategic prioritisation,” he said.

Kapofi said Namibia is facing financial constraints due to competing national needs such as health, education and housing. As a result, defence must become more efficient and cost-conscious.

He stressed that spending must be carefully controlled, including cutting unnecessary travel, reducing delegation sizes and eliminating waste at military bases.

“We cannot equate security with unchecked spending. True strategic leadership is measured by how effectively we use limited resources,” he said.

The minister also pushed for procurement reforms, saying processes must be transparent and aligned with operational needs.

“Every contract must benefit the national interest. We need to eliminate inefficiencies and reduce duplication across services,” he added. A key focus of Kapofi’s address was the need to strengthen Namibia’s defence industry. He said it should become the main driver of procurement and logistics in the sector.

“This will enable us to centralise purchasing, standardise equipment, negotiate better prices and reduce fragmentation,” he said.

The minister also emphasised that military equipment must meet strict specifications and not be bought casually.

“There is no such thing as random buying. Everything we acquire must meet precise specifications. We cannot be buyers who simply walk into a shop and pick items off the shelf,” he said.

He added that developing the defence industry would also support Namibia’s broader industrialisation goals by boosting local manufacturing and skills development.

Security threats

Kapofi warned that Namibia faces growing non-traditional security threats, including cross-border crime and cyber risks.

“These include trafficking in drugs, wildlife and illicit goods, organised crime networks, illegal fishing and cybersecurity vulnerabilities,” he said. He noted that while Namibia remains stable, such threats require stronger intelligence, coordination and readiness. “These are not traditional battlefield threats, yet they demand defence readiness and inter-agency collaboration,” he added.

The minister also used the platform to criticise delays and poor management of government projects, saying defence infrastructure must be delivered on time and within budget. “Too often projects are delayed, overpriced, or poorly managed. This is unacceptable,” he said.

Kapofi urged the defence force to use its own engineers and technical staff to build facilities instead of outsourcing.

“This will reduce costs, build institutional capacity, and strengthen self-reliance,” he said.

He also revealed plans to involve soldiers in agriculture to improve food security and reduce costs. “We have the land. We can produce our own vegetables, milk, meat, butter and cheese,” he said.

Health concerns

Kapofi called on the military to work more closely with communities, especially following a recent cholera scare in Grootfontein.

“When we live close to the public, any outbreak that affects them will affect us as well,” he said.

He encouraged regular clean-up campaigns and community engagement to improve health and discipline among soldiers.

The minister also emphasised the need to enhance support for liberation war veterans, many of whom continue to face hardships.

“Addressing their suffering is not just a welfare matter but a question of historical justice and national dignity,” he said.

Kapofi said government is working to speed up payments for veterans’ projects and urged officials to treat them with respect and empathy. In closing, Kapofi urged defence staff to uphold integrity, professionalism and accountability.

“The challenges before us are real, but Namibia has proven time and again that we can overcome adversity. Let this year be defined by discipline, innovation, unity, and operational excellence,” he said.