New Namra system clears N$18bn in 12 days

Namibia Revenue Agency (Namra) commissioner Sam Shivute says the agency’s newly launched ASYCUDAWorld customs system processed 42 131 customs entries worth about N$18 billion between 5 and 17 May this year – a 747% increase compared to the same period last year.

During the same period in 2025, the old customs system processed about 4 900 entries with a free-on-board (FOB) value of around N$10 billion.

“Just look at that data. We are talking about a 747% increase,” Shivute said during a media briefing in Windhoek yesterday.

The figures come despite recent congestion and technical issues at several border posts since the system’s rollout earlier this month.

Many heavy cargo trucks were reportedly stranded for days as authorities battled technical glitches and infrastructure limitations.

The congestion was particularly severe at the Katima Mulilo border post, where some truck drivers reportedly waited more than four days in queues due to slow customs processing.

Drivers also complained about limited access to water and ablution facilities while waiting at the border.

However, Shivute insisted that the situation improved quickly after the initial disruptions.

“The problem was identified, the next day it was cleared,” he said.

Improving tax compliance

Shivute said Namra officials and technical experts were immediately deployed to key border posts, including Katima Mulilo and the Trans-Kalahari border crossing, to resolve challenges on the ground.

The ASYCUDAWorld platform is designed to modernise customs operations by reducing paperwork, speeding up cargo clearance and improving tax compliance.

Shivute said the previous customs process depended heavily on manual paperwork, with some declarations requiring up to 100 pages of supporting documents.

“With the new system, things that used to be copied in 100 pages can now be done in a single document,” he said.

The system removes direct interaction between clearing agents and customs officials during the allocation of customs declarations.

“In the past, you would find a clearing agent dealing only with specific officials. The system eliminates that,” he said.

Under the new system, declarations are automatically assigned electronically, rather than allowing traders or agents to choose officials themselves.

Shivute said the move forms part of Namra’s broader effort to reduce human interference in customs processes and strengthen controls.

He also revealed that the upgraded system is now more closely linked to Namra’s tax platform, meaning traders who regularly import goods for business purposes will increasingly be required to have tax identification numbers.

“If you are a trader and every time you are bringing goods into Namibia for business purposes, you should also be able to have a tax number,” he said.

Adaptation period

Despite defending the system, Shivute admitted that users experienced technical problems after the platform went live.

He attributed many of the delays to what he described as resistance to change, incorrect document uploads and users struggling to adapt to the new procedures.

He said some clearing agents failed to upload all the required supporting documents correctly, while others attempted to attach multiple files in ways the system was not designed to handle.

“What we are seeing here is resistance to change,” he said.

He compared the current backlash to earlier resistance faced when Namibia phased out cheque payments and introduced previous digital tax systems.

Shivute also rejected calls from some stakeholders to temporarily return to manual customs processing.

“How do you move back to a process that is 11 versions backward?” he asked.

He described the ASYCUDA World platform as a “Rolls Royce” customs system and said Namibia now has one of the most advanced customs administration systems available.

Namra says its immediate focus is now to stabilise the system, continue training users and address technical glitches as they arise.

Shivute added that cybersecurity remains one of Namra’s biggest risks, saying the agency will continue strengthening measures to protect its systems and data.

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