amendments to the Road Fund Administration Act, marking a major milestone in Namibia’s road funding framework. The changes, which came into effect on 22 August 2025 through the RFA Amendment Act, 2022 (Act No. 11 of 2022) and the RFA Amendment Act, 2024 (Act No. 9 of 2024), bring new measures to improve fairness, transparency, and efficiency in the management of vehicle licence fee debt and entry fee exemptions.
Debt Relief for Vehicle Owners
A key highlight of the amendments is the treatment of prescribed debt. Vehicle licence fee debts older than three years are now considered legally extinguished under the Prescription Act of 1969 and will automatically be written off by the RFA and NaTIS system. This will happen without the need for applications from vehicle owners, offering immediate relief amounting to over N$371 million.
For debts less than three years old (unprescribed debt), vehicle owners may apply for a waiver of interest and penalties, although the principal licence fee remains payable. Applications will be vetted by the RFA’s Licence Fee Interest and Penalty Waiver Committee, considered by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and approved by the RFA Board.
- The CEO, with Board approval, may waive interest and penalties up to N$1 million.
- Where the amount exceeds N$1 million, applications will be referred to the Minister of Finance for a final decision, upon recommendation by the RFA.
- Applicants are guaranteed a response within 90 days of submission.
Exemptions on Vehicle Entry Fees
The amended Act also introduces provisions for vehicle entry fee exemptions in specific cases. These include:
Cross-border military exercises approved by the Minister of Defence,
Cross-border transport of medical staff or patients,
Temporary entry of foreign police officers with ministerial approval.
The reforms align the RFA’s practices with the Prescription Act, enhance legal certainty, and ease financial pressures on citizens. By removing historic debts and allowing for penalty waivers, the amendments encourage compliance and reduce the administrative burden on both the RFA and NaTIS.
The RFA, in partnership with the Roads Authority (RA), will roll out a nationwide awareness campaign to ensure vehicle owners understand and access the relief measures. This includes radio announcements, social media engagement, and an online information portal. NaTIS offices are also ready to assist vehicle owners in checking their licence status and applying where necessary.
The RFA expressed its appreciation to the Minister of Finance, Hon. Ericah Shafudah, for her leadership in ensuring the successful passage of the amendments. The organisation also acknowledged the Attorney General’s Office, the Ministry of Justice legal drafters, the Roads Authority, and the dedicated staff of both RFA and NaTIS for their contributions.
“These amendments are more than technical reforms—they represent a balance between compassion and responsibility,” the RFA CEO stated. “They bring immediate relief to citizens, strengthen transparency, and ensure the sustainable funding of Namibia’s road infrastructure.”
Vehicle owners are encouraged to take advantage of the relief measures and ensure their vehicle licences are up to date.
