In this video, a Namibian opposition lawmaker of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), Inna Hengari, decries difficulties around import and export enterprises in the South African country.
The lawmaker emphasized the challenges faced by young people who run “order with me” businesses, where they import goods to resell locally, and the struggles they are condemned to face due to the stringent operations of the Namibia Revenue Agency (NAMRA).
Namibia exports mostly low-value primary commodities, with the exception of diamonds, and has a high demand for high-value manufactured goods and machinery, which has resulted in a structurally negative trade balance.
China accounts for 34.1% of Namibia’s exports, followed by South Africa (14.5%), Botswana, Belgium, Spain, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. According to Comtrade’s most recent data, the top suppliers are South Africa (36.2% of imports), Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, China, Bulgaria, India, and the United States.