Namibians import N$63m in electronics, N$6m in clothing since January
Elizabeth Kheibes and Desmarius HansenWINDHOEK
Electronics and clothing imported chiefly from China by Namibian traders dominated this year’s declared goods at Hosea Kutako International Airport, with N$63 million worth of phones and gadgets and N$6 million in apparel recorded since January.Hair product imports alone totalled N$2.5 million.
The figures, revealed this week by Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) commissioner Sam Shivute, provided the backdrop for a high-level engagement with “order-with-me” traders in Windhoek – NamRA’s first dedicated outreach to small-scale importers since 2022.
The Monday event came amid growing public concerns over VAT charges, slow processing at entry points and confusion about customs rules.
Shivute said the aim of the gathering was to strengthen voluntary compliance, improve service delivery and dispel the widespread belief that NamRA is hostile toward SMEs.
“We are here to ensure voluntary compliance during trade operations and compliance with the law,” he told attendees, emphasising that the agency’s role is to protect state revenue for essential public services.
Clarity sought
Although more than N$71 million worth of imported goods declared through Hosea Kutako reflects growing transparency in small-scale commercial imports, Shivute warned that undeclared consignments remain a persistent challenge.
“From Hosea Kutako International Airport alone, we have recorded about N$71 million Free On Board (FOB) value since January. Electronics and phones account for N$63 million; clothing accounts for about N$6 million,” he confirmed, adding that this “is only what has been declared; we know some consignments still go undeclared.”
During the engagement, Namibian traders raised concerns over operational delays at the airport, inconsistent guidance on branded goods and uncertainty around taxable items.
Many said these issues make it difficult to plan shipments, estimate duties, select reliable clearing agents and meet compliance requirements.
They called for clearer communication, predictable procedures and practical training on customs regulations and requirements.
Shivute said NamRA had deployed its full technical team to the meeting – including customs heads, regional managers, and domestic tax specialists – specifically to address these operational frustrations.
Not targeting SMEs
The commissioner also rejected suggestions that NamRA unfairly targets small importers.
“That narrative is simply not true. We are your brothers and sisters. Many of our staff come from the same backgrounds you do,” he said. “There is nothing wrong with supplementing your income; what matters is that it is done legally and responsibly.”
He stressed that NamRA wants SMEs to grow into wholesalers, supermarket owners and even exporters.
The agency’s 2026–2027 strategic plan, he added, centres on improving service delivery and expanding collaboration with traders.
“We are not here to lecture you on what you already know. Today, we want to hear your challenges.”
Participants were encouraged to submit their concerns either publicly or in smaller groups.
“At NamRA, we believe you cannot solve a problem you do not understand,” Shivute underlined.
No retaliation for speaking up
He also assured traders that reporting misconduct would not lead to retaliation.
“As you raise your concerns today, I want you to feel safe and protected. There must be no victimisation whatsoever,” he said.
He urged small business traders to use the anonymous reporting line, adding that bribery is a criminal offence for both payers and recipients.
The NamRA call centre remains available for assistance, he added.
He also noted that while border protection must be strengthened during the festive season – a period associated with increased smuggling – trade facilitation remains a priority.
“Trade is the engine of economic growth. We want to see your businesses grow, scale and ultimately compete regionally and globally,” he said.
Shivute, moreover, encouraged ambition within the SME sector.
“My wish is that the SMEs will one day run major supermarkets and even take over multinational retail spaces. It is possible, and the numbers already show the potential,” he said.
Electronics and clothing imported chiefly from China by Namibian traders dominated this year’s declared goods at Hosea Kutako International Airport, with N$63 million worth of phones and gadgets and N$6 million in apparel recorded since January.Hair product imports alone totalled N$2.5 million.
The figures, revealed this week by Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) commissioner Sam Shivute, provided the backdrop for a high-level engagement with “order-with-me” traders in Windhoek – NamRA’s first dedicated outreach to small-scale importers since 2022.
The Monday event came amid growing public concerns over VAT charges, slow processing at entry points and confusion about customs rules.
Shivute said the aim of the gathering was to strengthen voluntary compliance, improve service delivery and dispel the widespread belief that NamRA is hostile toward SMEs.
“We are here to ensure voluntary compliance during trade operations and compliance with the law,” he told attendees, emphasising that the agency’s role is to protect state revenue for essential public services.
Clarity sought
Although more than N$71 million worth of imported goods declared through Hosea Kutako reflects growing transparency in small-scale commercial imports, Shivute warned that undeclared consignments remain a persistent challenge.
“From Hosea Kutako International Airport alone, we have recorded about N$71 million Free On Board (FOB) value since January. Electronics and phones account for N$63 million; clothing accounts for about N$6 million,” he confirmed, adding that this “is only what has been declared; we know some consignments still go undeclared.”
During the engagement, Namibian traders raised concerns over operational delays at the airport, inconsistent guidance on branded goods and uncertainty around taxable items.
Many said these issues make it difficult to plan shipments, estimate duties, select reliable clearing agents and meet compliance requirements.
They called for clearer communication, predictable procedures and practical training on customs regulations and requirements.
Shivute said NamRA had deployed its full technical team to the meeting – including customs heads, regional managers, and domestic tax specialists – specifically to address these operational frustrations.
Not targeting SMEs
The commissioner also rejected suggestions that NamRA unfairly targets small importers.
“That narrative is simply not true. We are your brothers and sisters. Many of our staff come from the same backgrounds you do,” he said. “There is nothing wrong with supplementing your income; what matters is that it is done legally and responsibly.”
He stressed that NamRA wants SMEs to grow into wholesalers, supermarket owners and even exporters.
The agency’s 2026–2027 strategic plan, he added, centres on improving service delivery and expanding collaboration with traders.
“We are not here to lecture you on what you already know. Today, we want to hear your challenges.”
Participants were encouraged to submit their concerns either publicly or in smaller groups.
“At NamRA, we believe you cannot solve a problem you do not understand,” Shivute underlined.
No retaliation for speaking up
He also assured traders that reporting misconduct would not lead to retaliation.
“As you raise your concerns today, I want you to feel safe and protected. There must be no victimisation whatsoever,” he said.
He urged small business traders to use the anonymous reporting line, adding that bribery is a criminal offence for both payers and recipients.
The NamRA call centre remains available for assistance, he added.
He also noted that while border protection must be strengthened during the festive season – a period associated with increased smuggling – trade facilitation remains a priority.
“Trade is the engine of economic growth. We want to see your businesses grow, scale and ultimately compete regionally and globally,” he said.
Shivute, moreover, encouraged ambition within the SME sector.
“My wish is that the SMEs will one day run major supermarkets and even take over multinational retail spaces. It is possible, and the numbers already show the potential,” he said.
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