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Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah presented the 2026/27 Mid-Year Budget Review in the National Assembly on Thursday 22 October 2026, as reported by The Brief. She proposed raising the total budget by about N$700 million, from N$87.9 billion to N$88.6 billion, and announced a review of the VAT zero-rating of sugar. The figures below match the Minister's Mid-Year Budget Review statement of 22 October 2026.
What changed
The Brief reports that the revenue downgrade reflects weaker mining receipts, lower fuel levy collections and lower administrative fees. Government is developing a Medium-Term Revenue Strategy and a Debt Management Strategy, both due before February 2027.
VAT on sugar. Sugar is zero-rated for VAT. The Minister said: "we are reviewing the VAT zero rating of sugar consumption." She did not say whether the zero-rating will be removed or give a timeline.
NamRA collections. The Brief separately reports NamRA's net revenue for the six months to 30 September 2026 at N$42.4 billion, 51.4% of the N$82.6 billion annual target, after refunds of N$6.9 billion.
Who it affects
Taxpayers and businesses in Namibia, and sugar producers and retailers.
What this means for accountants and finance professionals
The Minister announced reviews but no enacted tax changes: the VAT zero-rating of sugar (no date given), export levy levels, and possible import VAT zero-rating of agricultural inputs and equipment. The Tax Amnesty Programme ends on 31 October 2026.
Retail and food clients should watch for any announcement on the sugar zero-rating; the Minister gave no timeline.
The additional budget needs Parliament's approval before it takes effect.
The Medium-Term Revenue Strategy, due before February 2027, may set out future tax changes.
What to do
Note the sugar VAT review for affected clients.
Read the Ministry of Finance Mid-Year Budget Review document when it is published.
Sources: Minister of Finance Mid-Year Budget Review statement, 22 October 2026 (PwC Namibia copy), The Brief: public debt, The Brief: N$700 million increase, The Brief: sugar VAT, The Brief: NamRA collections