Namibia has been actively pursuing trade facilitation reforms since ratifying the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement (WTO TFA) in February 2018. Led by the Namibia Revenue Authority (NamRA), the country has strategically focused on enhancing trade facilitation.
As part of the NTFC's capacity-building program, participants of the UNCTAD E-coaching course undergo training in effective communication. This additional module equips them with valuable skills for delivering impactful speeches and presentations. To demonstrate the knowledge acquired during the course, participants are required to create video presentations on trade facilitation topics. In an original interview-like presentation, Johanna Amukushu, Principal Customs and Excise Officer at NamRA, and a member of the Secretariat of the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC), provides an update on the implementation of the WTO TFA, alongside Mr. Willbroad Poniso, Head of Customs and Excise, and highlights the collaborative efforts made by various stakeholders.
Johanna's presentation highlights some of the successful reform measures implemented in Namibia, such as the pre-arrival processing request (Article 7.1) and the Advance Ruling measure (Article 3). These measures have significantly reduced congestion at points of entry in the country and were launched in the presence of the World Customs Organization Secretary-General.
Johanna also highlights the benefits of the unique consignment reference and the Container Control Program in curbing illicit trade in Namibia. Customs authorities worldwide have a responsibility to facilitate legitimate trade while implementing control measures at points of entry and exit. The Container Control Program (CCP), launched by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), has helped countries strengthen their assessment and management capabilities in addressing illicit cross-border activities.
To monitor and evaluate the progress of the WTO TFA, NamRA utilizes the Reform Tracker, a project management tool developed by UNCTAD. The Reform Tracker allows NTFCs to track progress, milestones, and extend notification deadlines to the WTO Trade Facilitation Committee.
Aiming at implementation of the WTO TFA by 2024, Namibia is eagerly anticipating the easing of trade facilitation and enhanced collaboration among NTFCs members and various working groups, such as the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU). These collaborations aim to improve cooperation across the entire supply chain.
The UNCTAD Empowerment Programme includes the Effective Communication course, which aims to strengthen the skills of NTFC members. The course provides practical tips and advice on delivering effective speeches and presentations. Recently introduced in Autumn 2022, the first English edition of the course was delivered to selected English-speaking countries participating in UNCTAD's "Accelerate Trade Facilitation" project, supported by the United Kingdom. Participants are required to submit video presentations on trade facilitation topics as part of the course.
If you are interested in listening to Johanna's detailed presentation on the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement in Namibia, click on the video below.
Johanna Amukushu
