Namibia is finding ways to keep freight moving across regional borders round the clock.The Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG) is in the process of developing the next strategic plan, and the positioning of Namibia as a logistics hub is one of the strategic pillars, according to WBCG chief executive officer Mbahupu Tjivikua.Speaking at the launch of the 2020 Namibia State of Logistics report, he said: “Namibia has put logistics at the forefront of its economic development as enshrined in the various National Development Programmes as well as the Harambee Prosperity Program. “Companies are facing increasing levels of competitive pressure and difficulty with regard to maintaining and improving profitability. “Managers are increasingly coming to realise the importance and role of logistics in their organisations.“Most of our businesses now need to start operating on a 24/7 basis,” he said.In response, both the private and public sector organisations involved in all aspects of logistics need to embrace a new culture, in his view. “We need to open up our borders and the relevant agencies to provide services on a 24-hour basis.“We need to beef up our service levels and start playing in the big leagues of Singapore, China and Dubai amongst others. “A serious paradigm shift is required in our sector,” he said.“Improved logistics is not merely about good transport infrastructure but it is an integration of systems and excellent customer service. “If one of these components is not functioning well, we shall not have properly functioning logistics and transport systems in place.”Therefore, the positioning of Namibia as a regional logistics hub was not only to the benefit of Namibia, but to the hinterland and the world economy at large. “Our neighbouring countries need us more than ever before,” said Tjivikua.We need to beef up our service levels and start playing in the big leagues of Singapore, China and Dubai amongst others.– Mbahupu Tjivikua
