Namibia Revenue Agency Fines Smugglers N$3.5 Million, Strengthening Border Enforcement Initiatives - ISSUE #66☕

REVOLOX MEDIA | TODAY’S ISSUE

Welcome back to Revolox Media — your front-row seat to Namibia’s most compelling developments in policy, energy, and skills innovation.

Here’s what’s making headlines:

• The Namibia Revenue Agency cracks down hard, issuing N$3.5 million in fines to smugglers in a decisive move to reinforce border control and protect national revenue.

• Hyphen Hydrogen Energy takes a giant leap, securing a contract for a N$180 billion ammonia plant — a major milestone in Namibia’s ambitious green hydrogen journey.

• And in a win for local talent, Namibian engineers are headed to Malaysia for elite subsea training, building the offshore petroleum skills needed to power our energy future.

From law enforcement to clean energy and global skills development — this issue captures a Namibia in motion.

Stay sharp. Stay Revolox.

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BUSINESS & ECONOMY

Namibia Revenue Agency Fines Smugglers N$3.5 Million, Strengthening Border Enforcement Initiatives

The Namibia Revenue Agency (Namra) issued fines totaling N$3.5 million last year to offenders who attempted to smuggle goods into Namibia, reflecting a robust enforcement approach to protecting the country’s borders and economy.

Regional Breakdown of Enforcement Actions

Namra spokesperson Tonateni Shidhudhu reported that the northern region saw 1,724 fines amounting to N$1 million, while the southern region recorded 327 fines worth N$1.4 million. Significant penalties were issued across multiple border posts and regional offices: Oshakati imposed fines totaling N$694,140, Oshikango N$340,393, Ngoma N$62,596, and Katima Mulilo N$757,107. In addition, Rundu and Sarusungu collectively accounted for N$148,080 in fines, with Mohembo at N$1,700 and Katwitwi at N$130,000. The southern border posts also recorded substantial fines, with Ariamsvlei tallying N$649,200 and Noordoewer imposing fines valued at N$728,915.

Addressing Persistent Smuggling Challenges

Shidhudhu explained that these fines were mainly issued for offences including under-declaration, non-declaration, and attempted smuggling of restricted or prohibited goods. He highlighted that smuggling is most persistent along borders characterized by difficult terrain and porous entry points. The southern border at Noordoewer continues to represent the highest incidence and value of smuggling-related duties and tax losses, attributed to the border’s length and inconsistent patrol coverage.

Strategic Enforcement Measures

To counter this challenge, Namra has enhanced its enforcement strategy through joint patrols and operations coordinated with multiple law-enforcement agencies nationwide. Shidhudhu detailed initiatives such as risk profiling, the use of non-intrusive inspection technology, increased physical inspections, and intelligence-led operations. Cross-border collaboration with neighbouring countries further strengthens efforts to curb illegal trade.

Call for Public Compliance and Vigilance

Namra urges all traders and members of the public to comply fully with customs laws, including proper declaration of goods and adherence to lawful import and export processes. National Police spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi underscored the seriousness of smuggling, particularly along the Kunene to Zambezi regions, where contraband such as cigarettes, alcohol, footwear, clothing, and timber frequently enter through ungazetted entry points lacking adequate security and customs controls.

“Smuggling illegal goods is punishable by law and undermines our safety, economy, and national security,” Shikwambi stated, emphasizing the critical role of police vigilance in combating these activities. She also called on citizens to report smuggling syndicates to support law enforcement efforts.

The Bottom Line

Namra’s proactive enforcement and cross-agency collaboration are instrumental in safeguarding Namibia’s borders and economic interests. With fines totaling N$3.5 million issued last year and enhanced border control measures underway, Namibia seeks to disrupt smuggling networks and promote legal trade, contributing to national security and economic stability.

Source: The Namibian

Hyphen Hydrogen Energy Advances Green Hydrogen Project with N$180 Billion Ammonia Plant Contract

Hyphen Hydrogen Energy has announced that a final investment decision (FID) on its ambitious N$180 billion contract with China National Chemical Engineering Corporation (CNCEC) and its subsidiary China National Chemical Engineering & Construction Corporation Seven to build an ammonia chemical production plant in Namibia will be taken only after completing the front-end engineering design (FEED) phase. The company emphasized that engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) activities will commence following the successful FEED completion.

Critical Role of FEED in Project Development

The FEED phase is essential for large-scale, complex industrial projects like Hyphen’s green hydrogen initiative. It refines the project’s conceptual design and lays the foundation for detailed engineering and construction, encompassing thorough analysis of requirements, finalizing process designs, and delivering detailed cost estimates. Hyphen views this phase as key to de-risking the project and adding value to Namibia and its stakeholders.

Strategic Partnership with CNCEC

The contract awarded to CNCEC was the result of a rigorous international procurement process that prioritised contractor technical prowess and alignment with Hyphen’s sustainability and local content goals. CNCEC’s global experience in managing large chemical and ammonia projects—alongside local execution partners and top-tier technology providers—will enable seamless integration of advanced international technologies with local job creation and content targets.

“This agreement is a pivotal step in realising our vision to put Namibia on the map as a global leader in green hydrogen,” said Giuseppe Surace, Hyphen’s Chief Operating Officer. “CNCEC’s proven design and execution capabilities will allow us to optimise international technologies while meeting our local content and employment objectives.”

Project Development Progress

Hyphen remains in the development phase, actively advancing detailed planning, permitting, and stakeholder engagement. The CNCEC contract represents one of several FEED and EPC agreements anticipated for the project’s various infrastructure components.

The Bottom Line

Hyphen Hydrogen Energy’s collaboration with CNCEC marks significant progress in Namibia’s emerging green hydrogen sector, combining global expertise with local empowerment to deliver a complex, world-class ammonia production facility. The careful sequencing of FEED prior to EPC underscores a disciplined approach to managing risk and ensuring project success in a highly competitive global market.

Source: The Namibian

TECH

Namibian Engineers Selected for Advanced Subsea Training in Malaysia to Boost Offshore Petroleum Skills

Three talented Namibian engineers—Leonard Johannes, Erasmus Shikongo, and Rikardo Samuyumbe—are embarking on a prestigious career journey in the global petroleum sector, having secured fully-funded scholarships to undertake specialised subsea Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) Pilot Technician training in Malaysia. This initiative is driven by a strategic partnership between the Petroleum Training and Education Fund (PETROFUND) and international oil and gas service leader Subsea7.

Building Critical Capacity for Namibia’s Offshore Petroleum Future

All three graduates are alumni of the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), holding qualifications in Power Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. Their intensive ROV training will take place at the Netherlands Maritime University College in Johor Bahru, equipping them with skills to operate, maintain, and repair sophisticated underwater robotic vehicles critical for safe and efficient operations in Namibia’s ultra-deep offshore oil fields.

Clear Employment Pathway and Continued Professional Development

Subsea7 has committed to providing these engineers with a clear employment trajectory following their Malaysian training. They will undertake On-the-Job Training (OJT) with Subsea7 and subsequently join the company’s global offshore ROV workforce. Subsea7 will also invest in their ongoing professional development through its Competence and Assurance Programme and cover essential offshore safety certifications including OPITO-certified Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) and mandatory medical exams.

Collaborative Effort to Empower Namibian Youth

This deployment exemplifies a powerful collaboration between the Namibian Government (via PETROFUND), academia (NUST), and industry (Subsea7), aimed at equipping Namibian youth with high-demand technical skills tailored for the upstream petroleum industry. It underscores Namibia’s proactive stance in preparing its workforce ahead of anticipated First Investment Decisions (FID) in the country’s offshore oil and gas sector.

The Bottom Line

As Namibia moves closer to becoming a key player in offshore oil production, initiatives like this subsea training programme ensure that Namibian talent is ready to take centre stage. With highly specialised training and career pathways secured, these engineers embody the nation’s commitment to building a capable, indigenous workforce to support sustainable growth in the petroleum industry.

Source: Business Express

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