Namibia, with support from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat, launched the Time Release Study (TRS) Report for the Trans-Kalahari Border Post today. Conducted from 15 - 25 January 2024, the study aimed to identify trade bottlenecks and establish baseline clearance times for people and goods.
Speaking at the launch, Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) Commissioner Sam SHIVUTE, highlighted the significance of the TRS in enhancing trade facilitation in Namibia. “This report is an important milestone in our efforts to streamline border processes and improve efficiency. It identifies key challenges and provides recommendations that will enhance Namibia’s position as a regional transport and logistics hub,” he stated.
The TRS, which follows a similar study conducted at Walvis Bay Port in 2023, was executed by Namibia’s National Technical Working Group for TRS with the technical support of the SADC Secretariat and funded by the European Development Fund (EDF-11). Findings from the study revealed the following clearance times; General Import Clearance: 5 hours, 31 minutes while General Export Clearance: 4 hours, 34 minutes
Alcides Monteiro, Senior Programme Officer for Customs at SADC stated that TRS was a globally recognised tool to measure border efficiency, adding that the emerging recommendations could enhance trade and attract investment.
Challenges identified include inefficiencies in border procedures, partial computerisation and lack of agency coordination. Key recommendations involve harmonising procedures, developing a robust customs support system and making structural adjustments to improve efficiency.
The full report is available on the website for download.