Namibia has launched a Coordinated Border Management (CBM) National Strategy aimed at improving efficiency in trade facilitation and reducing non-tariff barriers at border posts.
The strategy, which aligns with the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement, seeks to streamline operations across multiple border agencies to enhance Namibia’s global competitiveness.
Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) Commissioner Sam Shivute highlighted the importance of the initiative, noting that delays at ports and border posts have been a significant hurdle to trade efficiency.
“What we are approving or finalising today is a coordinated border management national strategy for Namibia. Namibia, as a WTO member, must implement measures that enhance efficiency, improve trade facilitation, and eliminate non-tariff barriers at our borders,” Shivute said.
He pointed out that Namibia has historically lacked a structured border management strategy, with over 12 different agencies operating at border posts without a synchronised approach.
“There was no coordinated approach to facilitating trade. One agency might clear a consignment, but then the process stalls at another checkpoint. We need a structured system with clear standard operating procedures to ensure efficient clearance times,” he said.
This comes after a Time Release Study at Walvis Bay Port revealed that some consignments remain at the port for an average of 19 days, a situation Shivute deemed unacceptable.
He stressed the need for improved intra-Southern African Customs Union (SACU) trade, which currently stands at around 20-25% compared to 60-70% in Europe.
“We need to work together at our borders, adopt a whole-government approach, and ensure Namibia is well-prepared for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” Shivute added.
Executive Director at the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade, Sikongo Haihambo, emphasised that prolonged border clearance times negatively impact Namibia’s competitiveness.
“You may agree that prolonged cross-border clearance is costly to businesses and places Namibia in a precarious position,” Haihambo said.
Haihambo acknowledged Namibia’s progress in trade facilitation, citing the establishment of One Stop Border Posts with Botswana, Zambia, and Angola.
“Our implementation rate of Trade Facilitation Agreement measures has improved from 3.16% to 85.8% over two years. This is a remarkable achievement,” he noted.
He also noted the launch of the Namibia Online Trade Information Portal all efforts to harmonise border operating hours with neighbouring countries.
Consultant Sydney Chibbabbuka, a Customs and Trade Facilitation Expert, stated that the CBM strategy stems from a request by Namibia to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat for technical and financial support under the SADC Trade Facilitation Programme.
“The CBM concept in Namibia will improve efficiency at border operations by strengthening coordination and cooperation among agencies and neighbouring states,” Chibbabbuka said.
He noted that key recommendations for implementing CBM in Namibia include developing a national policy on border cooperation, enacting supporting legislation, establishing technical working groups, mobilising financial resources, and implementing an electronic single window system.
With the CBM strategy in place, Namibia aims to enhance trade efficiency, attract foreign direct investment, and improve economic growth while preparing for AfCFTA opportunities.
“Namibia’s CBM strategy brings together key agencies to streamline border operations and boost trade efficiency. Leading the effort is the Namibia Revenue Agency, supported by the Namibia Ports Authority (NamPort), Port Health, and the Department of Immigration Control and Citizenship,” he said.
Chibbabbuka added that security oversight is provided by the Namibia Central Intelligence Service and the Namibia Police Force.
The Namibian Agronomic Board and Directorate of Veterinary Services regulate agricultural and livestock trade, while the Road Fund Administration manages transport levies.
He said this coordinated approach aims to reduce delays and enhance Namibia’s trade competitiveness.
The document is scheduled for Cabinet approval before being legislated by the Namibian Parliament.
