Building on recent successes in implementing trade facilitation measures, the Namibian National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) convened its National Technical Working Group on Coordinated Border Management (CBM) from 04 to 15 November 2024 in Windhoek, to finalize its inter-agency standard regulatory framework for CBM in Namibia. The framework was developed in collaboration with the WCO and with the support of the WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, using a blended approach to capacity development that included virtual engagement via the WCO CLiKC! platform during six weeks. The remote sessions were followed by two weeks of in-country support to complete business process modelling and data modelling, facilitating CBM implementation and finalizing the inter-agency standard regulatory framework. 

In his opening remarks, Sam Shivute, Commissioner of the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA), underlined the importance of the initiative, emphasizing the need for all agencies to come together and to take a “whole of government” approach to trade facilitation to the benefit of all Namibians. He also stressed the critical role of the NTFC's CBM Working Group’s work in establishing the foundation for CBM in Namibia through the development of the regulatory framework. The Commissioner further expressed his appreciation for the continuous multi-year support from the United Kingdom-funded WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme.
The inter-agency standard regulatory framework, supported by both data and business process modelling, is a key preparatory step for clarifying the roles and interactions between border regulatory agencies. It aims to reduce border delays and facilitate legal trade. By applying both techniques, areas of duplication are identified, and strategies are developed to reduce duplication and harmonize processes and data requirements at the border.

The CBM National Technical Working Group also focused on harmonizing and standardizing documentary requirements across government agencies to enable digitalization and ensure a coordinated information flow (CIF). This exercise, leveraging the WCO Data Model (WCO DM) App, resulted in a comprehensive and harmonized national data catalogue aligned with the WCO DM to facilitate communications and interoperability of digital systems among border agencies. 

By the end of the two weeks in Windhoek, a draft of the inter-agency standard regulation (framework) had been completed and ready for consultation within each border authority. In addition, 75% of the data sets for the CIF were finalized and prepared for review and approval.

CBM in Namibia has made significant progress towards implementing CBM as stipulated in the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). However, NamRA’s Sam Shivute noted: “We will not be judged by starting something but rather by the results and successful completion.”  He also highlighted the support and engagement of all Namibian border authorities and stakeholders in ensuring the successful implementation of CBM.
The WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme looks forward to continuing its partnership with NamRA for sustainable Customs and border reforms.

See here for more information on the ‘Accelerate Trade Facilitation’ Programme.

For more information on WCO capacity building, please contact Capacity.Building@wcoomd.org.