NamRA commissioner calls for improved trade facilitation in Africa

By: Hertha Ekandjo

Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) Commissioner Sam Shivute has emphasized the urgent need for Africa to improve intra-continental trade by addressing inefficiencies in customs regulations and border processes.

Shivute highlighted that Africa’s intra-circuit trade stands at a mere 20% to 25%, significantly lower than Europe’s 60% to 67%.

The commissioner was speaking during the official launch of the Coordinated Border Management (CBM) National Strategy for Namibia and the adoption of the Inter-Agency Standard Operations Framework for CBM in Namibia this morning in Windhoek.

He stressed that African nations cannot afford not to trade with one another, yet cumbersome regulations and delays at border crossings make it difficult to do so effectively.

“If importing goods from within Africa takes six months, but the same goods from Asia arrive in just two weeks, why would businesses not choose Asia?” Shivute asked.

He pointed out that streamlining trade processes is critical for making intra-African trade more competitive.

Shivute commended the SADC and Word Customs Organization (WCO) Accelerate Trade Facilitation Program for supporting Namibia in improving trade efficiency.

He explained that enhancing border efficiency would lead to increased trade, economic growth, job creation, investment, and improved wages.

Furthermore, he reiterated Namibia’s ambition to become a logistics and distribution hub for land-linked nations.

However, he warned that without efficient port and border management, neighboring countries might be forced to seek alternative trade routes, which could negatively impact African trade and economic integration.

The post NamRA commissioner calls for improved trade facilitation in Africa first appeared on Future Media News.

The post NamRA commissioner calls for improved trade facilitation in Africa appeared first on Future Media News.