The Namibia Revenue Agency collected N$275 billion over the past four years.
“We don’t talk in millions. We talk in billions. Bring it on,” the ever-energetic Sam Shivute, the NamRA supremo, said yesterday.
Under his stewardship, the agency has beaten every challenge and surpassed every target before it.
During the 2021/22 financial year (FY), the agency collected N$52.9 billion, over N$3 billion more than its target.
Overperformance
In the 2022/2023 FY, NamRA delivered N$57.3 billion. Its collection target that year stood at N$53.4 billion.
The following year, they collected N$77 billion, N$5.9 billion more than their target.
Shivute was addressing former finance executive director Ericah Shafudah, who was there at NamRA’s inception four years ago.
He reassured the current finance minister that his men and women will deliver the additional N$5 billion, on top of the target for the 2025/2026 financial year.
“Mee Shafudah, we are really humbled and very proud to announce that during the financial year 2024/25, the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) collected a gross amount of N$98.9 billion,” Shivute said.
The net collection deposited into the State Account at the Bank of Namibia to drive the country’s development agenda and other financial obligations is N$88.6 billion.
Refunds paid out for the period between 1 April and 31 March 2025 amount to N$10.4 billion. The net amount equates to 103.8% of the target set for the financial year 2024/25.
He then placed their numbers into context, seemingly responding to naysayers who downplay their role.
“In numbers, the difference between N$77 billion and N$88 billion is N$11.6 billion. In terms of the percentage of year-on-year growth, you’re talking about 15%. For this number to make sense, maybe another person can argue that ‘yes, there is an increase of N$11.6 billion; maybe the economy has grown better’. It’s not the case. If you look at the number for the same period of the nominal growth of GDP, it is only N$7.9 billion. However, the performance of the administrative efforts of the Namibia Revenue Agency from the men and women in navy blue, white and a touch of orange – we are talking about 15%,” he boasted.
Shivute said this while addressing the audience on Monday night during NamRA’s annual Taxpayers/Traders Appreciation Day.
Patriotism
Speaking during the same event, NamRA board chairperson Anna Nakale-Kawana said when taxpayers and traders honour their tax obligations, they are not doing a favour for the government, but rather fulfilling their patriotic responsibility.
“Your contributions to the fiscus are not taken lightly. It is through your commitment and willingness to comply that our country is able to fund vital public services, invest in infrastructure, and uphold our development agenda,” she noted.
Nakale-Kawana added: “Tax compliance ensures that every citizen and entity contributes fairly to the collective prosperity of our nation. Equally, customs compliance is key to safeguarding our borders, maintaining the integrity of trade and ensuring the efficient and secure movement of goods.”
The government last year announced the extension of the Tax Amnesty Programme until 31 October 2026. This amnesty provides an opportunity for those with outstanding tax debts to settle their accounts and benefit from financial relief.
“I urge all eligible taxpayers to take full advantage of this programme by approaching NamRA for the necessary assistance and guidance,” she pleaded.
NamRA has deployed various reforms aimed at improving operational efficiency, streamlining border processes and reducing turnaround times for clearing goods.
This, Nakale-Kawana said, is essential for economic competitiveness.
“As a board, we support efforts to eliminate delays at the borders and anywhere along the customs chain. A modern, responsive and professional customs administration benefits us all,” she stated.
Godmother
Delivering her statement, Shafudah at the onset assured NamRA that it will continue to enjoy full political backing to effectively carry out its mandate, just as was the case under her predecessor, Iipumbu Shiimi.
“NamRA is our institution; this is our baby, and I had the honour of serving as the executive director in the Ministry of Finance during the planning and conceptualisation of its establishment,” she said.
Like a mother, Shafudah is proud of the strides NamRA has achieved over a considerably short period. However, she urged NamRA to aim higher.
“One of the most remarkable achievements of NamRA has been its ability to consistently exceed revenue-collection targets. This is not merely a success for NamRA, but a reflection of the dedication and compliance of our taxpayers and traders… This achievement is not just a milestone for NamRA; it is an accomplishment for every compliant taxpayer and trader who remains committed to the development of our country,” the minister said.
She then expressed gratitude towards taxpayers and traders, saying their contributions enable the government to fund essential services, invest in infrastructure and address socio-economic challenges. “This is a collective achievement that should be celebrated. Our country continues to face social and economic challenges, exacerbated by global economic conditions and climate change. The only way to overcome these challenges is through effective resources mobilisation, which requires strong partnerships between the public and private sectors.”
The government, she said, remains committed to expanding the tax base and improving revenue mobilisation, while ensuring that the needs of taxpayers are adequately addressed.
-emumbuu@nepc.com.na