Massive trade-hub development under way in Namibia

Rapid growth on the Walvis Bay corridor has seen the development of a 650-hectare mixed-use property development – Sungate – around Hosea Kutako Airport, some 40 kilometres east of Windhoek. It’s the first venture of Accolade Properties Group outside South Africa, says Peter Collins, marketing director of Accolade Properties Namibia (APN), who told FTW that historically there had been no infrastructure whatsoever at or near the airport. “We looked at it and identified a great need. The focus is on sustainability and functionality and we are in discussions with an international hotel group, logistics company and truck operation.” The development is situated on the Trans-Kalahari corridor. Said Gerd Wieneke, managing director of APN: “We believe the existing Trans-Kalahari Corridor is already viable but that business will increase even more as other corridors are developed. Direct beneficiaries of the project would be businesses involved in import and export, tourism, cross-border transport and air freighters whose facilities and accommodation for employees and staff are currently situated in Windhoek.” The project has the potential to link airfreight, rail and road transportation from all corners of Namibia to the SADC region. It also has the ability to develop into a highly specialised subtown with all facilities ranging from modern houses, banks, warehouses and offices to hotels and restaurants, Wieneke said.