Mining, oil and gas create new logistics challenges

Namibia’s Manica Group is “reinventing itself” to meet the new logistics challenges resulting from major investments in mining, oil and gas in Namibia – as well as economic revival in neighbouring countries, according to Hans- Werner Timke, managing director of the Manica Group Namibia. It is not the first time that the group has managed its way through major changes. It has been around for 90 years – or just two years after South Africa received a mandate to govern the country from the League of Nations. Namibian independence in 1990 was followed by the handing over of Walvis Bay in 1994 to the Namibian government by South Africa. This proved to be a turning point in the history of Walvis Bay, with the government transforming a fishing port into a major transport hub. Manica, which is in Namibia “for the long haul”, continues to support the investment in the port by providing services to shippers, shipping companies and operators. The company is also adapting to the changing trade patterns – which includes appointing a Chinese-speaking liaison person to improve communication between Manica and its growing number of Chinese clients. “We have been appointed the clearing agent for the giant new Husab uranium mine, which is the biggest Chinese investment in Namibia,” says Timke. Volumes of goods flowing between South America and the region through Walvis Bay are also growing, and Manica is developing expertise to cater for this market. Another major change – and opportunity – is the search for oil and gas off the coast of Namibia. Having identified the opportunity and the needs of the market early, Manica ensured that it was in a strong position to provide the full range of services when the first drilling operators arrived in Namibian waters. This includes having a presence in Lüderitz Bay, which Timke believes will benefit from both the Kudu gas to power project and increased exports of commodities through the port. Lüderitz Bay Shipping & Forwarding provides shipping, clearing, forwarding and warehousing services. The company also runs a filling station. “The completion of the upgrading of the rail link to Lüderitz Bay will open up a range of new possibilities,” says Timke. Manica is also establishing a presence or partnerships in neighbouring countries in order to provide end-to-end logistics support. Woker Freight – which is part of the Manica group – is placing a WFS employee in the Copperbelt to develop the corridor business. With all this opportunity opening up the biggest challenge is the shortage of skills in Namibia. Manica is addressing this problem through its own in-house training programme, through supporting students studying at tertiary institutions with bursaries and providing holiday work experience. The Manica “Talent Development Centre” offers business skills development training for classes of up to 60. It also has a computer training lab for 18 people. INSERT & CAPTION We have been appointed the clearing agent for the giant new Husab uranium mine, which is the biggest Chinese investment in Namibia. – Hans-Werner Timke