What makes a national tax system operate efficiently to facilitate trade and ultimately drive economic growth? The answer often lies in advanced technology and specialized knowledge. The World Customs Organization (WCO) is currently helping the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) enhance its implementation of the ASYCUDA World system through an innovative peer-learning initiative under its "Accelerate Trade Facilitation Program."
South-South Cooperation in Customs Modernization
This capacity-building activity, financially supported by the UK's HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), represents a significant step in South-South cooperation. Following a benchmarking mission where NamRA officials visited Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) in April 2023, two experienced ZRA officers traveled to Windhoek in late July to provide hands-on technical assistance.
Willbroad Poniso, NamRA's Customs and Excise Commissioner, along with Chief Information Officer Melanie Tjijenda, welcomed the Zambian delegation, emphasizing the program's importance for Namibia's ambition to become a world-class revenue authority.
The ASYCUDA World Advantage
Developed by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), ASYCUDA World is an automated customs data system that helps national customs administrations improve operational efficiency, strengthen controls, and facilitate trade. The comprehensive system manages all aspects of customs operations including cargo declarations, risk management, duty collection, and trade statistics.
During the week-long knowledge transfer session, Zambian experts focused on several critical system configurations:
- Self-assessment: Enables traders to independently calculate duties, reducing customs intervention and accelerating clearance.
- Electronic payments: Digital transaction processing that minimizes cash handling and administrative burdens.
- Risk profiling: Allows targeted inspection of high-risk shipments while facilitating low-risk trade.
- Valuation controls: Ensures accurate duty assessment and prevents revenue leakage.
- Central processing: Streamlines operations by consolidating customs procedures.
Field Visits Enhance Practical Understanding
The technical exchange included field visits to Namibia's Specialized Service Center and Hosea Kutako International Airport, allowing Zambian experts to tailor their recommendations to NamRA's operational realities. This practical approach ensures the transferred knowledge can be immediately applied in Namibia's customs environment.
The Peer-Learning Model's Strategic Value
The "Customs-to-Customs" methodology offers distinct advantages over traditional technical assistance. By leveraging the practical experience of peer administrations that have successfully implemented similar systems, recipient countries gain operational insights that theoretical training cannot provide. The approach also fosters long-term regional cooperation and builds professional networks that endure beyond specific projects.
The WCO plans to continue supporting NamRA through this program, aiming to reduce cross-border trade costs and processing times while maintaining appropriate controls. As developing nations increasingly prioritize trade facilitation as an economic growth strategy, such peer-learning initiatives demonstrate how international cooperation can translate into tangible national benefits.