Bullish Namibian logistics operator expects cargo growth

An increase in the movement of cargo along the Walvis Bay Corridor in Namibia over the next year is the positive prediction from Patrick Kohlstaedt of the Manica Group Namibia, which has been awarded the on-carriage logistics for the establishment of the Ohorongo Cement Plant and related mine to be built near Otavi in Namibia. “The mining sector represents an important sector for Manica Group Namibia and plans are in the pipeline for us to grow our service offerings in this area further – both locally and abroad.” Kohlstaedt said this development would go ahead despite the global economic crisis. “Obviously the commodity price development is affecting the output of mines and also the timing of expansion and development of projects, but we believe the outlook for the year ahead remains stable.” The diversified group is involved in the freight and logistics field in Namibia and neighbouring countries, providing freight forwarding, customs clearing, ships’ agency, stevedoring, warehousing and integrated logistics services to its clients. “Business, especially miningrelated – which includes finished and semi-finished product imports as well as exports, mining development and expansion projects – during 2008 was very good.” Kohlstaedt said this was not expected to change much in coming months given that growth potential on the Namibian corridors remains positive. “One of our major successes was the awarding of the terminal handling imports and exports tender for Namzinc (Scorpion Zinc) in the port of Luderitz, being the biggest (by volume) exporter in Namibia.”