Independence Stadium consultant fee sparks N$337m controversy
A consultant advising the state on renovating Windhoek’s neglected Independence Stadium is allegedly set to earn about N$337 million – more than three times what the government has budgeted for the project. The stadium is earmarked for upgrades to enable Namibia’s national men’s and women’s football teams to host international matches at home again. A […] The post Independence Stadium consultant fee sparks N$337m controversy appeared first on The Namibian .
A consultant advising the state on renovating Windhoek’s neglected Independence Stadium is allegedly set to earn about N$337 million – more than three times what the government has budgeted for the project.
The stadium is earmarked for upgrades to enable Namibia’s national men’s and women’s football teams to host international matches at home again.
A feasibility study dated 11 February 2025, which The Namibian has seen, shows the lead consultant will take 17.5% of the total estimated project cost of N$2 billion.
This translates to N$112 million per year over the three-year period expected for the renovation, pushing total earnings to about N$337 million, including VAT.
Industry experts say consultancy fees are normally between 5% and 10% – labelling 17.5% “a stretch”.
By comparison, former finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi in 2022 said the government had budgeted only N$50 million for Independence Stadium’s renovation.
National Planning Commission director Kaire Mbuende in January said the government has set aside N$100 million per year for the project, still far below the consultant’s expected annual payout.
