Namibia is considering the use of drone technology and artificial intelligence to strengthen border surveillance, improve security, and reduce the high costs associated with monitoring its borders. 

The Namibia Revenue Agency is exploring opportunities to learn from Russia's customs technology and expertise following the signing of a cooperation agreement between the two countries in Moscow.

NamRA Commissioner Sam Shivute said that Russia's experience in using technology for border management presents an opportunity for Namibia to rethink how it monitors cross-border movements and detects customs-related offenses.

Namibia's borders present challenges for authorities responsible for preventing illicit cross-border activities and protecting the country's economic interests.

Traditional patrols using vehicles can be costly, particularly when monitoring large stretches of territory.

Shivute is optimistic that technology could offer a more efficient approach, with drones potentially reducing the need for constant vehicle patrols while improving surveillance coverage.

Cooperation will also include specialised training for Namibian customs officials at Russia's Customs Academy.

NamRA currently does not have a fully functional training academy, something Shivute believes must be addressed if the agency is to build a highly specialised workforce.

The two institutions will develop an implementation roadmap, with NamRA officials expected to begin training in Russia before the end of 2027. 

The expertise gained could also support Namibia's plans to develop its own customs training capacity.

Shivute explained that NamRA has previously benefited from similar training arrangements with China and South Korea, with more than 100 of its officials having received training in China following an earlier cooperation agreement.

"Capacitated human capital is very key. With this direct contact and our agreement with our Russian counterpart, we can begin developing their curriculum to ensure our academy evolves beyond just a pipeline; it must become something that is delivered."

The Russian partnership will add another important source of expertise as the agency works towards becoming a world-class revenue administration.

However, Shivute maintained that the real value of the agreement will be measured by what Namibia implements, rather than what it signs.