The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) has grown revenue collection by 67% since its launch in 2021 — a feat Commissioner Sam Shivute credits to bold leadership and strategic communication.
“We grew revenue collection by 67%. The target was 49%, then 52%. Initially, the revenue target was N$83 billion, later revised to N$85 billion, but we ended up collecting N$88 billion. This is the result of intentional communication,” Shivute said.
NamRA, launched on 7 April 2021, took over revenue collection from the Customs and Excise Directorate and the Inland Revenue Department under the Ministry of Finance.
According to Shivute, success lies in a clear vision that staff and stakeholders embrace.
“Our vision is to be a world-class revenue agency serving with passion to positively impact the livelihood of every Namibian.”
That impact, he noted, is visible in hospitals, roads, and pensions funded through taxes.
“We set a bold vision, one that inspires staff and stakeholders alike. Even those who initially didn’t see the connection between our work and their daily lives now understand the broader impact of tax collection,” he said.
To overcome resistance, particularly from multinationals avoiding taxes, NamRA launched its own internal platform known as NamRA Kachenu to tell its story directly through newsletters, audio, and visual content.
“You must tell your own story. Nobody can tell your story better than you,” Shivute stressed.
He urged other institutions to adopt self-awareness, act proactively, and communicate strategically:
“Be intentional, tell your story, and drive the narrative.”
