NamRA on course to exceed N$85bn revenue target
Huge collections ahead of national budget tabling
As of 31 January, domestic tax collections stood at N$31.36 billion, while customs and excise duties contributed N$48 billion.
The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) is set to exceed its N$85 billion revenue target for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, according to its commissioner Sam Shivute.
For the 2023-2024 fiscal year, NamRA collected N$87.9 billion in gross revenue, achieving 108.3% of its target. As of 31 January, domestic tax collections stood at N$31.36 billion, while customs and excise duties contributed N$48 billion, bringing the total to N$79.3 billion.
Speaking to Namibian Sun in Windhoek during the release of the Time Release Study report for the Trans-Kalahari Border Post yesterday, Shivute expressed confidence in the agency’s ability to exceed its projected target.
“By the end of March, we will not only meet but surpass the revenue target,” he said.
By the end of February, NamRA had already collected 98% of the target amount. “In figures, we have collected N$83.1 billion. I am 100% confident that by March 2025, we will have exceeded our revenue target,” he added.
Since its establishment, NamRA has prioritised enhancing revenue collection while minimising financial leakage, Shivute said. He emphasised the agency’s role in ensuring that government funding remains stable.
“We are building a cohesive team to ensure that whatever target the minister of finance assigns us, we put our heads, hearts and hands together to achieve it. This guarantees that the minister does not face difficulties in funding Namibia’s developmental agenda,” he noted.
As a tax collector, NamRA was a key contributor to the N$100.1 billion annual budget for the current financial year – the largest in Namibia's history.
Enhancing border efficiency
Shivute also highlighted Namibia's progress in improving trade facilitation and border management. He announced the finalisation of the national strategy for border management, a significant milestone in streamlining processes and reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies.
“Today is a historic day as we have successfully completed the coordinated border management national strategy for Namibia. According to the World Trade Organisation’s trade facilitation agreement, member states must implement measures to reduce bureaucracy and enhance efficiency at borders,” he explained.
Namibia currently has 12 different agencies operating at its borders, which can lead to operational challenges. The newly adopted strategy aims to improve coordination and address non-tariff barriers.
“We must work in a coordinated manner. Improving efficiency at our borders will attract more foreign direct investment. Many landlocked SADC countries rely on our ports, and by enhancing trade facilitation, we will boost economic growth, create jobs and drive Namibia towards prosperity,” Shivute said.
Team players needed
However, the event was not without criticism. The ministry of trade and industrialisation’s executive director, Sikongo Haihambo, expressed disappointment over the absence of key stakeholders.
“I must record my disappointment that a significant number of the 12 or 13 agencies involved in border operations are not present today,” he said.
Haihambo compared the situation to a football team selection: “If you have not been practising, you will not be picked to play on Saturday or Sunday. Those who fail to engage may become a burden to others.”
He urged absent agencies to participate actively, warning that inefficiencies at border posts could hinder trade and slow economic progress.
“Imagine losing 20 days waiting for cargo to arrive – that is a lot of wasted time. Today marks a crucial step in ensuring a smoother and more efficient trade process,” he emphasised.
For the 2023-2024 fiscal year, NamRA collected N$87.9 billion in gross revenue, achieving 108.3% of its target. As of 31 January, domestic tax collections stood at N$31.36 billion, while customs and excise duties contributed N$48 billion, bringing the total to N$79.3 billion.
Speaking to Namibian Sun in Windhoek during the release of the Time Release Study report for the Trans-Kalahari Border Post yesterday, Shivute expressed confidence in the agency’s ability to exceed its projected target.
“By the end of March, we will not only meet but surpass the revenue target,” he said.
By the end of February, NamRA had already collected 98% of the target amount. “In figures, we have collected N$83.1 billion. I am 100% confident that by March 2025, we will have exceeded our revenue target,” he added.
Since its establishment, NamRA has prioritised enhancing revenue collection while minimising financial leakage, Shivute said. He emphasised the agency’s role in ensuring that government funding remains stable.
“We are building a cohesive team to ensure that whatever target the minister of finance assigns us, we put our heads, hearts and hands together to achieve it. This guarantees that the minister does not face difficulties in funding Namibia’s developmental agenda,” he noted.
As a tax collector, NamRA was a key contributor to the N$100.1 billion annual budget for the current financial year – the largest in Namibia's history.
Enhancing border efficiency
Shivute also highlighted Namibia's progress in improving trade facilitation and border management. He announced the finalisation of the national strategy for border management, a significant milestone in streamlining processes and reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies.
“Today is a historic day as we have successfully completed the coordinated border management national strategy for Namibia. According to the World Trade Organisation’s trade facilitation agreement, member states must implement measures to reduce bureaucracy and enhance efficiency at borders,” he explained.
Namibia currently has 12 different agencies operating at its borders, which can lead to operational challenges. The newly adopted strategy aims to improve coordination and address non-tariff barriers.
“We must work in a coordinated manner. Improving efficiency at our borders will attract more foreign direct investment. Many landlocked SADC countries rely on our ports, and by enhancing trade facilitation, we will boost economic growth, create jobs and drive Namibia towards prosperity,” Shivute said.
Team players needed
However, the event was not without criticism. The ministry of trade and industrialisation’s executive director, Sikongo Haihambo, expressed disappointment over the absence of key stakeholders.
“I must record my disappointment that a significant number of the 12 or 13 agencies involved in border operations are not present today,” he said.
Haihambo compared the situation to a football team selection: “If you have not been practising, you will not be picked to play on Saturday or Sunday. Those who fail to engage may become a burden to others.”
He urged absent agencies to participate actively, warning that inefficiencies at border posts could hinder trade and slow economic progress.
“Imagine losing 20 days waiting for cargo to arrive – that is a lot of wasted time. Today marks a crucial step in ensuring a smoother and more efficient trade process,” he emphasised.
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