The African Development Bank Group’s support for Namibia’s tax administration reforms has produced remarkable outcomes, significantly enhancing the country’s domestic revenue collection. In less than five years, the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) has collected 275.8 billion Namibia dollars, marking a 67 percent rise in domestic revenue mobilization since its establishment. The creation of NamRA has particularly boosted non-mining corporate tax revenue, reflecting major improvements in fiscal efficiency and governance. NamRA Commissioner Sam Shivute credited the Bank’s support as a key factor in achieving these milestones, emphasizing the agency’s goal to become a world-class tax administration body.
Between 2017 and 2022, the African Development Bank played a central role in supporting NamRA’s development through successive budget support programs aimed at strengthening public finance management and economic governance. In December 2024, the Bank approved a $342,000 grant from the Middle-Income Country Technical Assistance Fund to finance the Namibia Tax Administration Technical Assistance Project.
The project focuses on enhancing domestic revenue mobilization by conducting specialized audits in key sectors, building staff capacity, and improving data analytics systems. These initiatives aim to boost revenue collection, reduce leakages, and enhance fiscal sustainability. By narrowing the fiscal deficit and reducing public debt, Namibia will gain more fiscal space for investment in critical economic and social sectors, contributing to long-term socioeconomic development.
According to the African Development Bank’s Chief Governance Officer, Baboucarr Koma, strengthening NamRA’s institutional capacity not only helps close revenue gaps but also creates a stronger foundation for sustainable economic growth and improved living standards. Namibia currently maintains one of the highest tax-to-GDP ratios in Africa at 26.2 percent, significantly higher than the continental average of 15.1 percent. Officials from the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises highlighted that further strengthening of NamRA will enable the government to invest more effectively in its people, infrastructure, and national development.
Established in 2021 under the Namibia Revenue Agency Act, NamRA continues to play a pivotal role as the State’s primary tax collection body. The ongoing partnership between the African Development Bank and Namibia demonstrates how strategic technical assistance can drive fiscal transformation, strengthen governance, and set a strong example for tax administration reform across Africa.
