Allexer Namundjebo
New rules introducing a cargo levy on cross-border road transport have been gazetted.
Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi issued the regulations, published in the government gazette on 1 April.
They give effect to levy provisions under the Walvis Bay–Ndola–Lubumbashi Development Corridor agreement.
Transport operators must now pay a levy of U$0.90 (about N$14.75) per tonne of cargo when passing through border posts such as Katima Mulilo and Ngoma.
“Payment must be made either on entry into or departure from the country,” the gazette states.
The rules also say operators cannot enter or leave Namibia without paying the levy.
Penalties apply for non-compliance.
“Transporters who fail to pay the levy risk a fine of N$8000 or imprisonment for two years, or both,” according to the gazetted rules.
The Road Fund Administration (RFA) will collect and manage the levy on behalf of the corridor’s secretariat.
The agency will retain 15% for administration, with the rest transferred monthly.
The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) will oversee compliance at border posts. Operators must declare cargo weight for levy calculations.
The levy forms part of the corridor agreement signed in 2010 and ratified by Namibia in 2021. The system has taken time to implement across countries.
Industry players have raised concerns about inconsistent charges in the past.
The new rules aim to standardise the system in Namibia and improve coordination with regional partners.
A transport operator, Andreas Ashipala, said the rules bring clarity.
“At least now we know exactly what is expected at the border. Before, there were different charges depending on where you crossed,” he said.
He said the levy may increase costs but could improve the corridor.
“If the Road Fund Administration is to collect and administer the cargo levy on behalf of the Permanent Secretariat, that will be good,” he said.
The corridor connects the Port of Walvis Bay to markets in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is a key route for regional trade.
Stricter enforcement is expected at border posts in the coming months.
