Lack of coordination between border agencies is among the reasons why there are delays in releasing import or export goods at the port of Walvis Bay.

This is according to the first ever Time Release Study report, which has identified bottlenecks that impede seamless trade at the port.

In 2018, Namibia ratified the World Trade Organisation Facilitation Agreement.

Member states are hence required to measure and publish the average time it takes for goods to be cleared at the borders.

The international tool used to measure the time is called the time release study report, and between February and June, a National Technical Working Group carried out an investigation at the port of Walvis Bay.

Revealing the findings, the Namibian Revenue Agency Commissioner, Sam Shivute, said it takes a minimum of 7 days and 20 hours, while consignments can take about 19 days to be cleared.

"Their systems are not connected; their systems are not talking to one another. Sometimes one of them, I'll give you an example at the port, works 24 hours a day. The border agencies work up to five o'clock. Sometimes you come into contact with one of the officials. Now you have to go to the next one. You are told they are off. They will only come tomorrow or during the weekend when they do not work. How will that work?

Dr. Sam Shivute has called on all stakeholders to put egos aside, collaborate with each other, and serve port users with passion and efficiency.

"We are all playing for a team called Namibia, and we are competing with other regional neighbouring ports. And therefore, if we are not working together, when Namibia is not providing a world-class service and trade facility facilitation, they are going to say Namibia is inefficient. We need to start implementing the recommendation already."

The report has recommended that the Automated System for Customs Data be upgraded and all operational hours of agencies be aligned to Namport's operational hours, including weekends.

Moreover, it has been recommended that current operational electronic fund transfer procedures be reviewed as they are also impeding seamless trade.