The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) has opened a six-month public education campaign aimed at people who run “Order With Me” businesses, student entrepreneurs, small and medium enterprises, online shoppers and first-time importers.
Practical guidance to reduce delays and costs
NamRA said the campaign — intended to be practical rather than legalistic — will explain customs and importation procedures so that users understand what is required when they bring goods into Namibia. The agency said the aim is to reduce common mistakes that often result in unexpected costs, delays or the confiscation of goods.
Officials have invited the public to join a dedicated WhatsApp group called Welcome to the NamRA Order With Me Community. The platform will distribute official updates from the revenue authority as well as educational videos, infographics and step-by-step guides. NamRA also plans to host live question‑and‑answer sessions with Customs and Excise officials via the group.
"Every Order Counts – Let’s Process It!"
Who the campaign targets and how it will operate
NamRA says the campaign targets a broad range of users involved in online imports, including:
- individuals operating "Order With Me" services;
- student entrepreneurs and small business owners who buy or import goods;
- online shoppers and first‑time importers seeking clarity on customs procedures.
The agency emphasised that the WhatsApp community is open to all members of the public and will act as a channel to provide official, reliable information directly from customs authorities. NamRA warned that the group is not a forum for advertising or spam, and asked participants to keep discussions relevant and professional. It also cautioned users not to post personal or confidential information and discouraged the sharing of false or misleading material.
What the initiative offers — and what it does not replace
According to NamRA, the campaign will provide practical tips on avoiding delays and extra costs, plus answers to common questions about importing. Materials will include:
- educational videos and infographics;
- practical how‑to guides on customs procedures;
- live interactive sessions with customs officials.
NamRA also urged the public to continue following its official communications channels for authoritative information and updates throughout the six‑month period. The revenue agency framed the initiative as part of its broader effort to help clients make informed decisions and to import goods in compliance with the law.
Context and implications for learners and small traders
For student entrepreneurs and informal online vendors, customs rules can be a steep administrative hurdle: misunderstanding tariffs, documentation requirements or the classification of goods may produce substantial, unforeseen expenses or hold up consignments. By focusing on plain‑language resources and direct interaction with customs officials, NamRA's campaign aims to bridge that knowledge gap.
Greater understanding of import rules can strengthen small enterprises' predictability and cash‑flow management, and reduce the risk that valuable stock is delayed or seized. For education practitioners and youth skills trainers, the campaign provides a timely resource to incorporate basic customs literacy into entrepreneurship and business training programmes.
| Duration | Primary channel | Target groups |
|---|---|---|
| Six months | WhatsApp community + official platforms | Order With Me operators, student entrepreneurs, SMEs, online shoppers, first‑time importers |
NamRA's approach underscores the role that plain‑language public education can play in improving compliance and preventing avoidable losses. For young traders and informal sellers who are increasingly using cross‑border e‑commerce, the campaign could offer a practical route to more secure and lawful trade.
Readers who import goods or run online trading services are advised to look out for NamRA's resources and to use the official channels the agency has identified for reliable information.
