Namibia Revenue Authority officially operational

Namibia Revenue Authority officially operationalAddressing tax evasion, avoidance An amount of N$79 million was reserved for the establishment of NamRa, on top of the budgetary allocations to the existing departments. It is not easy to move from one taxman to another and the ministry wanted to ensure that there is no interruption in tax collection. Tonateni Shidhudhu, Spokesperson: Ministry of Finance PHILLEPUS UUSIKU

The long-awaited Namibia Revenue Authority (NamRA) is finally operational, following the notice by the Minister of Finance Ipumbu Shiimi on 01 April 2021.

Ministry of Finance spokesperson, Tonateni Shidhudhu confirmed to Market Watch that the launch will take place at the Windhoek County Club and Resorts today and is to be officiated by President Hage Geingob.

The event will also see Shiimi handing over the power of revenue collection to Sam Shivute who was appointed NamRA Commissioner last year.

Over 1200 staff members from the ministry of finance mainly from the inland revenue department and the customs and excise directorate are expected to be transferred to NamRA.

Shidhudhu explained that the delay to make the revenue agency was delayed because of the systems that needed to be put in place first, saying it is not easy to move from one taxman to another and the ministry wanted to ensure that there is no interruption in tax collection.

So far three executives who will form part of exco have been appointed of which two are from the Ministry of Finance. The recruitment process is still ongoing and more appointments are to be announced soon. Shidhudhu said NamRA will still operate from the Ministry of Finance and use government vehicles until all the systems are fully functional. The launch will be streamed on social media.

Last month, finance ministry Ipumbu Shiimi in his budget speech mentioned that an amount of N$79 million was reserved for the establishment of NamRa, on top of the budgetary allocations to the existing departments.

Overall, the ministry of finance was allocated an amount of N$4.7 billion for the 2021/22 financial year (FY), about 7.9% of the total non-interest expenditure.