The WCO conducted a workshop in Windhoek, Namibia from 24 to 28 July, 2023 to support capacity building on Coordinated Border Management (CBM). The workshop was opened by Commissioner Sam Shivute of the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA). In his opening remarks Mr. Shivute appreciated the continuous multi-year support provided by the WCO through the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme funded by His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and noted the importance of such capacity building and technical assistance to progress economic development plans of the Government of Namibia.
Commissioner Shivute reminded everyone about the importance of execution. He pointed out that while plans might be well-conceived, their true value is realized through implementation. He then requested that the representatives from all the border agencies in attendance apply the enhanced capacity acquired during the workshop. He further emphasized the need for a highly coordinated approach to border management.
Thirty participants, representing eight border agencies and the private sector, participated in the workshop. The workshop produced four key outputs: a draft Terms of Reference for the National technical Working Group on CBM, a preliminary report on the current situation of CBM at the Trans Kalahari Border Post, a draft CBM model for Namibia, and a draft stakeholder engagement strategy. The highlight of the mission was the visit to the Trans Kalahari Border Post which enabled participants to observe operations at the border post and make a preliminary assessment of the application of CBM at the border in comparison to the best practice approach as stipulated in the WCO CBM Compendium.
Prior to the CBM workshop, the WCO had supported the National Technical Working Group in validating the findings of the Time Release Study conducted in February 2023 at the Walvis Bay Port. Validation of the findings took place during a two-day workshop. The findings were presented to the executives of the border agencies and private sector representatives including leading importers and Customs brokers and validated after various deliberations and discussions. It is anticipated that the TRS report will be finalised by the end of August 2023.
The WCO is looking forward to its further partnership with NamRA for sustainable development and economic growth under the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme
See for more information on ‘Accelerate Trade Facilitation’ Programme here.
For more information on WCO capacity building, please, contact Capacity.Building@wcoomd.org.