Sam Shivute: Architect of integrity at NamRA’s helm

Serving Namibians
Sam Shivute reflects on the bold choices, tested values, and national vision that continue to shape Namibia's revenue frontier.
Tina Victor
  • 3 Days Ago
When Namibia launched its semi-autonomous revenue agency in 2020, it needed a steady hand and a visionary mind.

It found both in Sam Shivute, a former police officer, banker, and transformational leader whose career has spanned three decades of uninterrupted public service.

Now in his fifth year as commissioner of the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA), Shivute describes his journey as “enlightening, fulfilling, exciting and interesting”.

Speaking from his office in Windhoek, he says: “It has been a journey of reflection and genuine growth. We committed to four pillars – people, processes, systems and culture. We’ve made tremendous progress, but there’s still work ahead.”

Under Shivute’s leadership, NamRA has built a recognisable national and international brand, merged diverse institutional cultures, and surpassed revenue targets consistently. “We became one of the few state-owned enterprises whose leadership was recognised by Stanford and Columbia University,” he says with pride. “Our people are being called upon by global institutions to share their expertise.”

NamRA also introduced a leadership model – one of only two in Africa among tax agencies.

“This wasn’t about ticking boxes,” he notes, “but about building an institution that serves Namibia’s development goals.”

Over the next two years, Shivute aims to deepen NamRA’s strategic objectives, from maximising revenue and minimising leakage to improving compliance and enhancing digital transformation. “We want to create an environment where excellence is normal and public trust is earned,” he affirms.

Who is the man behind the title?

With degrees in law, finance and policing, including a master of laws in international banking law from the University of Liverpool, Shivute’s résumé reflects his diverse skill set. Like his accolades, Shivute’s hobbies are just as colourful and diverse, including mountain climbing, sprinting, boxing, watching NamRA’s own netball team and Old Trafford’s Manchester United. “Balance is key,” he says. “I read, I exercise and I spend time with my family, even if I keep them away from public discourse.”

When asked about the benefits of being a CEO, Shivute explains: “I didn’t take this role for the perks. In fact, I gave up better ones. This is a national, divine assignment. I took it because I believed I could make a contribution.”

For Namibia, that contribution may well be long-term institutional sustainability, a vision Shivute values above short-term profits. “Longevity is profound,” he insists. “Our role is to capacitate the state and serve every Namibian with purpose.”