The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) and several key State institutions have signed a new framework to improve coordination at Namibia’s borders and reduce delays in the movement of goods. 

The Inter-Agency Standard Operations Framework for Coordinated Border Management was signed in Windhoek last week, bringing together crucial authorities responsible for border control, trade and security.

Institutions involved include the Namibian Police, the Namibia Ports Authority, and government ministries responsible for immigration, international relations, and trade. Other partners include the Road Fund Administration, the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia, the Namibian Agronomic Board, the Trans-Kalahari Corridor and the Walvis Bay Corridor Group.

The framework is expected to strengthen cooperation between border agencies through joint inspections, coordinated controls and improved information sharing. NamRA commissioner Sam Shivute said the agreement must lead to real change at border posts.

“Let’s engage and get to know one another so that we make things happen,” Shivute said.

He said initiatives such as one-stop border posts, authorised economic operator programmes and pre-clearance systems have already been introduced, but the focus must now be on effective implementation.

“When we do that, we are contributing to the economic growth of this country,” he said.

Officials also raised concerns about the condition of infrastructure at border posts and ports.

Shivute further encouraged officials and stakeholders to strengthen cooperation between institutions to improve trade facilitation. 

He said the institution is working on its own. Instead, all organisations involved must coordinate their efforts and support one another.

He explained that institutions should function like players on a soccer team. 

According to Shivute, success cannot be achieved if only one player performs well. For example, a striker may score goals, but if the goalkeeper lets many goals in, the team will still lose. Likewise, institutions must understand one another’s responsibilities and sometimes assist one another in achieving common goals.

He also highlighted the importance of coordination, noting that a soccer team without organisation and teamwork would struggle to win matches. Similarly, institutions must work together and align their efforts to ensure effective results.

“Everything rises and falls on leadership. Leaders play a crucial role in guiding cooperation and ensuring progress,” he said. 

Chief financial officer at the Road Fund Administration, Elvis Kambatuka, said Namibia must continue investing in border infrastructure.

“If you look at the ports and the borders in terms of infrastructure, that is our selling point,” he said, adding that the Ministry of Works and Transport needs to play a key role in improving these facilities.

The logistics industry has welcomed the move, saying that border delays affect trade and supply chains.

Namibia Logistics Association chief executive officer Francois Uys said slow border processes can also increase the risk of illegal activities.

“This is a great step in the right direction. The slower the borders are, the more inefficient they become and that increases the risk of porous borders,” he said. 

He said delays at border posts also affect food deliveries and supply chains.

“When trucks stop or are not moving, food deliveries are delayed before they even reach shops,” he said.

Uys added that truck drivers passing through Namibia contribute to local economic activity.

“The moment a truck enters Namibia, there are economic spin-offs. Drivers buy food, fuel and supplies along the way,” he said.  -pmukokobi@nepc.com.na