NaTIS rakes in N$87 million monthly - Nekundi
The National Administration Traffic Information System (NaTIS) generates around N$87 million in revenue each month from about 140 000 transactions conducted nationwide - despite widespread frustration over long queues, delays, and inefficiency.This was revealed by works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi in Parliament on Wednesday.
“As of September 2025, our countrywide vehicle population stands at 419 716, while our driver population has reached 379 023. Further, approximately 140 000 NaTIS transactions are conducted monthly, generating a revenue of plus-minus N$87 million,” Nekundi said.
He acknowledged that this performance comes “through the pain of long queues, long waiting periods, avoidable travel costs, frustrations, and corruption.”
“There are also scammers taking advantage of the system, as well as perceived or deliberate acts to fail our clients,” Nekundi added.
Transforming NaTIS
To address these challenges, Nekundi said the ministry is implementing a number of digital and structural reforms aimed at improving service delivery and reducing waiting times. Among the new initiatives are the Book and Pay online module, a computerised learner licence system, e-travel licences, and an automated driving testing system.
He explained that the Book and Pay module will allow clients to book and pay from their homes using digital technology. “This will reduce long queues and the costs of physically visiting NaTIS offices,” Nekundi said. He added that walk-in services will remain available for those who prefer in-person transactions. The digital booking upgrade is expected to start rolling out in December 2025.
Tackling corruption
Nekundi also announced the introduction of a commercialised learner licence testing system designed to curb corruption and eliminate what he termed “purposeful failures.” The new system will allow customers to take a standardised electronic test lasting about 30 minutes, with automatic marking and instant results.
The pilot phase will begin at the Okahandja national centre under the national mobile testing trust by December this year. Nekundi said the new system will remove opportunities for human interference, as test papers and manual marking will be phased out.
Automated driving tests and e-licences
The minister further revealed plans to migrate from the manual driving test process to an automated system using sensors, cameras, and satellite technology. He said this will ensure consistency and fairness during driving evaluations.
“We are exploring options for customers to use NaTIS-tested vehicles during evaluations instead of bringing their own,” Nekundi explained, adding that this will ease costs and standardise testing conditions.
This phase is expected to start in the next financial year. Nekundi also announced plans to roll out e-driver’s licences, which will replace the current plastic cards.
“The new digital licence can be stored on your gadget, meaning no more forgetting it at home or in your car,” he said.
New NaTIS centre for Windhoek
Nekundi acknowledged that the Windhoek NaTIS centre remains the most congested in the country, serving a rapidly growing population. To ease the pressure, the ministry has acquired land in Wanaheda - near Havana, Hakahana, and Goreangab - for the construction of a new NaTIS service centre.
“The designs are done, and very soon the appropriate machinery will be on site,” Nekundi said.
He concluded by reaffirming that the ongoing reforms are aimed at building a more efficient, transparent, and client-friendly transport administration system.