The Namibia Revenue Agency has urgently requested N$58.95 million from the government to address a critical staffing shortfall of 89 positions across its border operations, as three key posts have transitioned to round-the-clock service, dramatically increasing manpower demands. The agency currently deploys 297 personnel across 18 border posts and offices, but the extended hours have rendered existing resources inadequate for maintaining efficient customs and immigration controls.
According to a detailed submission presented to the parliamentary standing committee on home affairs, security, constitutional and legal affairs, the funding requirement emerged directly from the operational upgrade at the affected facilities, which previously functioned on a 12-hour schedule. As reported by The Brief, the committee’s oversight report, compiled after inspections conducted between 18 August and 9 September 2025, confirmed that Namra had previously managed with sufficient staff until the shift necessitated additional recruitment to ensure seamless border management and revenue collection.
The agency has simultaneously advanced several modernisation initiatives to bolster capacity. Electronic scanning equipment at major ports of entry is undergoing comprehensive upgrades, with nine operators scheduled for specialised two-week training at the Nuctech facility in Beijing later this year, followed by 39 more personnel receiving instruction in South Korea. These programmes aim to cultivate in-house expertise and reduce reliance on external technical support.
Staff welfare remains a priority amid the expansion. Namra presently maintains 199 housing units across 15 border locations, though many require refurbishment. Planned improvements, including new constructions at strategic sites such as Katima Mulilo, Oshikango and Trans-Kalahari under the forthcoming one-stop border post programme, are slated for the next financial year to enhance living conditions and operational efficiency.
Security concerns have also prompted the deployment of private guards at every border post to safeguard personnel and state assets, reflecting heightened vigilance in remote areas prone to smuggling and illicit trade. The committee noted that while the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises initially lacked a consolidated national action plan for border infrastructure, Namra’s proactive measures demonstrate a clear commitment to strengthening frontier controls.
The funding request forms part of a broader push to align border operations with regional trade facilitation goals, particularly as Namibia deepens integration within the Southern African Development Community and the African Continental Free Trade Area. Industry observers suggest that resolving the staffing deficit will prove essential to minimising delays for legitimate travellers and cargo while curbing revenue leakage through enhanced surveillance.
With cross-border traffic projected to rise further following recent infrastructure investments along key corridors, Namra’s ability to secure the requested allocation will directly influence the country’s trade competitiveness and fiscal performance. The parliamentary committee has urged swift approval to prevent operational bottlenecks that could undermine economic growth in an increasingly interconnected region.