The interim board of the Customs Clearing Association of Namibia
Namibia’s customs clearing agents have drawn a line in the sand, forming a new industry body to challenge what they describe as weak communication, operational disruptions and a lack of meaningful representation in decisions affecting the country’s trade sector.
The Customs Clearing Association of Namibia (CCBAN) was officially launched in Walvis Bay, bringing together licensed customs clearing agencies in a bid to give the industry a stronger voice when dealing with the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA), government and other regulators. New industry body is set to take aim at poor communication, costly delays and decisions made without clearing agents The association’s formation follows growing frustration within the sector, particularly after NamRA’s customs data management system upgrade in May caused operational disruptions.
CCBAN Secretary-General Paul Nakhom said the crisis exposed a major weakness: individual clearing agents had little collective power to influence decisions or push for adjustments when systems failed. “The purpose of establishing the association is basically to provide a platform and representation to all licensed customs clearing agents in Namibia and to give them a voice,” Nakhom said. With more than 350 registered customs clearing agents nationwide, the industry argues that decisions affecting customs operations cannot continue to be made without meaningful consultation with those working on the frontline. Nakhom said poor communication between agencies can leave clearing agents caught in the middle, causing delays and potentially resulting in financial losses and damaged or lost goods.
CCBAN will push for simpler customs procedures, greater transparency, improved communication and the removal of unnecessary non-tariff barriers that drive up business costs. Trade facilitation expert Paul Ndelwa said compliance should not be viewed as NamRA’s responsibility alone. “Compliance is a shared responsibility. NamRA alone, with its available resources, cannot do it alone.” The association now wants direct representation on government forums and stronger engagement with NamRA. For an industry that has long operated without a unified voice, CCBAN’s message is clear: customs agents want a seat at the table, not to be informed after decisions have already been made.
The interim board: Augus Bikeur — Founder and Chairperson, Ester Gaes — Vice-Chairperson, Paul Nakhom — Secretary-General, Rochelle Kangeriko — Corporate Compliance and Administration, Chrizzette De Beer — Business Development, Angelo Hendricks — Investment and Trading, Sello Hango — Training and Operations, Daniel Haufiku — Northern Regions Operations, Willem Klaaste — Khomas Region Operations, Paul Ndelwa — Trade Facilitation Expert and Stakeholder Consultant, Enrico Daniels — //Karas Regional Operations and Eveline de Klerk — Media Liaison and Marketing,
By Rudi Bowe
