Vendors operating along the Namibia-Zambia border encounter high border taxes and stringent regulations, prompting some to engage in smuggling essential goods to maintain their businesses. A street vendor, a mother of four, began her trade in 2020 and quickly realized that smuggling tomatoes and onions through ungazetted points was the only viable way to sustain her livelihood.
Despite attempts to conduct business legally, the vendor noted that high value-added taxes at the border left her with negligible profits. She states, "As a street vendor who sells a pack of tomatoes and onions for N$10, I'm unable to pay the high border charges. Paying for transportation to smuggle products is way cheaper."
© Gaurav Masand | DreamstimeThe smuggling extends beyond tomatoes and onions, encompassing items like sweet potatoes, peanuts, beans, maize, eggs, and other traditional foods. Law enforcement agencies are actively working to confiscate smuggled goods, including non-food items.
The Namibia-Zambia border, stretching approximately 247km, includes the Katima Mulilo border post, a significant trade point operating 24 hours since 2023. However, efforts by both governments to enhance trade have not curbed smuggling activities. Regional police commissioner Andreas Shilelo highlights the involvement of well-known local business people in smuggling, stating, "Despite our best efforts to curb illegal smuggling activities along this border, it continues unabated."
Smugglers exploit illegal routes and maintain communication channels to evade police detection. Shilelo emphasizes the importance of collaboration with Zambian counterparts and local agencies to intensify anti-smuggling efforts. Nevertheless, the Namibia Revenue Agency (Namra) reported a loss of nearly N$2 million due to smuggling in the previous year, an increase from N$800,000 in 2023.
Namra spokesperson Steven Ndorokaze acknowledges the challenge of smuggling through gazetted entry points, which undermines revenue and poses health risks. The agency collaborates with law enforcement to combat these activities, employing an anti-smuggling mobile team for interceptions and seizures.
Castrow Muunda of the Zambezi Horticulture Producers Association notes the adverse impact on local producers, as smuggled goods saturate the informal market. He warns of health risks from consuming produce with residual chemicals, emphasizing the need for vigilance.
In addition to goods, illegal crossings for employment and other activities remain a concern. Locals relying on inexpensive labor and products contribute to this trend. At Stone City, a recreational center near the border, young Zambians provide car wash services, eliciting mixed reactions from the community.
Source: Namibian