Angolan whisky: Bittersweet times for traders

While they might be cost-effective for consumers and beneficial for producers, both the Namibian and Angolan governments see no positives in the infamous 'Angolan whisky' sachets that continue to thrive on the informal market.

In the northern regions of Namibia, the Namibian Police have adopted a zero-tolerance approach and have arrested numerous individuals involved in smuggling or selling the product.

Namibia’s Revenue Agency (NamRA) conducted a stakeholder engagement session at the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair (OATF), where it provided reasons for the product's ban in Namibia and cautioned the public to steer clear of the popular drink.

Some attendees questioned why the whisky was being confiscated at the Oshikango border, while traders continue to sell the sachets daily on the streets of Ongwediva and Oshakati, and several bar owners still stock the product.

Some traders who spoke to this publication after the event, although they declined to be identified, said Angolan whisky serves as a source of income, allowing them to provide for their families.

They also said the lack of jobs in the country leaves them with no choice but to find alternative means to survive, despite admitting that the sale of illicit goods is wrong.

Tricky fight

The porous northern border that separates Namibia and Angola further complicates efforts to prevent the flow of illicit goods between the two countries.

Yesterday’s engagement comes about three months after Angola’s minister of industry and commerce, Victor Fernandes, announced that the Angolan government is set to implement a ban on the production of whisky and other beverages in small packages, commonly referred to as "packets."

Fernandes explained that concerns over the adverse effects of small-packaged beverages on both public health and marine ecosystems have prompted this proactive step by the Angolan government.

"The decision reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health and preserving the diverse marine life along Angola’s coasts. By targeting the root cause of the issue, this ban is expected to have a positive and lasting impact on society and the environment," he reportedly said.

Fernandes’ fight against whisky is not unfamiliar to Namibian authorities – they too are having sleepless nights over the product.

Speaking at the OATF gathering, Susan Beukes, NamRA's regional manager, explained that the packets of Angolan whisky are confiscated and destroyed because they lack ingredient information, alcohol percentage details and an expiration date.

NamRA said it will continue to prohibit the entry of these products into Namibia until these issues are rectified.

Nothing new

Beukes also clarified that NamRA is not imposing new rules and that NamRA's role is to ensure compliance.

"The public has the impression that we are aggressive; we are not. NamRA has been there. We've just been in two different departments. Now we just carry a brand, and we are more visible and appear to be more aggressive, unfortunately," Beukes said.

She said during her time at the northern customs and excise offices, illicit goods had been confiscated from people on numerous occasions. Beukes recalled that those who did not comply with intellectual and property rights had their shops closed and goods worth N$25 million were destroyed in 2013. In 2016, customs officers shut down a perfume manufacturing shop worth N$30 million.

She urged members of the public to ask for a clear explanation when their goods are confiscated.

"No one should confiscate your goods and not give you appropriate information about what is going on. That needs to be addressed," she stressed.