The Namibian Revenue Agency (NamRA) is advancing its Compliance Programme to embody a full Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, aligning with the World Customs Organization’s (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards. Following continuous remote technical assistance, the WCO’s Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, funded by the United Kingdom, conducted a Workshop from 24-28 March 2025 in Windhoek, which focused on streamlining operational and trade processes, enhancing supply chain security, and fostering mutual recognition partnerships in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).
NamRA's Compliance Programme, which currently only includes importers and exporters, is strategically evolving towards a comprehensive AEO Programme that encompasses a broader range of economic operators. To leverage on Customs-to Business-Partnerships, two companies from the Freight Forwarding and Customs Brokerage sectors stepped forward to participate in the AEO Pilot’s validation training. The practical validation training provided an opportunity to enhance operational instruments governing the AEO Process for maximum efficiency, and to build capacity on validation skills and techniques to ensure streamlined operations and robust compliance to benefit the overall integrity of the international supply chain.
NamRA’s Head of Customs and Excise, Mr. Wilbroad Poniso, emphasized that self-introspection within an organization is crucial for fostering growth and boosting efficiency. He further stated that “by embracing a mindset of openness and a willingness to adapt, we can drive meaningful change and achieve our national objective of increasing the uptake of the AEO Programme in Namibia”.
The Managing Director of one of the companies participating in the AEO Validation, highlighted the importance of collaborating with reputable partners that share a commitment to integrity. He further noted that the AEO Programme will bolster the robustness of the company’s supply chains by enhancing security measures through its service providers.
NamRA will continue piloting the AEO Programme with additional economic operators, whilst redesigning end-to-end processes, including Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) with SACU countries, to ensure greater efficiency and foster a business-enabling environment. NamRA also aims to monitor the impact of the AEO Programme towards increased compliance, revenue security and time and cost reduction for its AEOs.
The WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme looks forward to continuing its partnership with NamRA to promote sustainable trade facilitation reforms and inclusive economic prosperity.
For more information on the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, please see here.
For more information on WCO capacity building, please contact Capacity.Building@wcoomd.org.