Namibia’s ambitions to become an efficient logistics hub for cargo transiting through the SADC region seems to be panning out at a time when surrounding countries are feeling the pressure of corona-related complexities.
Several sources have told Freight News that the Port of Walvis Bay is fully operational and that copper belt cargo passing through the Caprivi panhandle, as well as freight further south coming in through Botswana and South Africa, is flowing unimpeded.
A facilitator dealing with corridor cargo has said there are minor challenges, but for the most part there are no serious issues at any of the crossing points into Namibia, including the Kunene border into Angola.
In addition, Namibia’s logistics ability to deal with Covid-19 was underscored by the fact that no permits were required for essential goods, said Mike Fitzmaurice, chief executive of the Federation of East and Southern African Road Transport Associations (Fesarta).
The news of Namibia’s freight efficiencies come at a time when ports to the east of the sub-Saharan region, especially Durban and its hinterland linkages into the interior, appear constrained by Covid-19 and long-standing congestion problems.
