NamRA reports surge in transit value and growth

By: Hertha Ekandjo

The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA)  revealed that for February 2025 goods worth a staggering N$3.9 billion transited through the country in just one month, a reflection of both imports and exports.

 NamRA`s commissioner of Sam Shivute, emphasized the significance of the numbers, stating, “This is a huge amount of money, and when you consider it on a monthly basis, we are looking at an average of 8,800 trucks moving in and out of the country.”

Shivute highlighted that these trucks, driven by Namibians and others from across Africa, play an essential role in the economy. “They are buying at our service stations, spending money in Namibia, even those who are just transiting through the country,” he said.

The Trans-Kalahari border post has seen a remarkable increase in traffic whereby in 2019-2020, the volume of goods passing through the post was about 50,000 metric tons. By 2023, this figure surged to 349,000 metric tons, reflecting Namibia’s growing importance as a trade hub.

Shivute further stressed the need for continued improvements in logistics to maintain Namibia’s competitiveness.

“If these importers and exporters shift from other ports to use the Trans-Kalahari border post, nothing can stop us,” he said. “But if we fail to implement time-efficient systems and facilitation tools, we risk losing business to other ports that position themselves as more efficient.”

The commissioner urged those involved in the sector to take the issue personally, referring to the economic struggle for regional dominance as a matter of national importance.

“This is now a time to participate in the economic emancipation struggle,” Shivute said, calling on all stakeholders to contribute to the country’s growth.

Shivute called on Namibia to continue positioning itself as the number one regional hub, highlighting the importance of maintaining “pockets of excellence” to attract business.