When visiting Namibia and speaking to business, parastatal and political leadership, there is a strong sense that they are united under a shared vision, which is to see the country’s economy grow.In almost every conversation the word “partnership” pops up.It is used in the context of companies pooling resources to attract business to the corridors, and of parastatals and government agencies partnering with business to pave the way for smoother transit along the corridors.But, the talk is not all about moving cargo.
Namibians now want to add value to the cargo moving along the corridors in order to create sustainable jobs and to boost the economy.This goal is articulated in the “Master plan for development of an international logistics hub for SADC countries in the Republic of Namibia”, which informs government policy and decision making.It is in pursuit of this goal that parastatal Namport has invested R2.1 billion in the new container terminal in the port of Walvis Bay, which is designed to handle 750 000 TEUs a year.
The logistics industry is now working hard at attracting the cargo needed to justify the investment.They realise that no company is big enough to tackle the challenge on its own, which is why there is so much talk about partnerships. There are a number of factors in Namibia’s favour.Firstly, it is safe. This is confirmed by hauliers and shippers in neighbouring countries – the hijacking of trucks carrying high-value cargo is virtually unknown in Namibia.
Losses in the ports and out of warehouses are also well controlled. Secondly, with the opening of the new terminal it has the infrastructure needed to act as a gateway for the Southern African Development Community – good roads, available warehouse space and room for more, and relatively efficient border posts in the SADC context.
Thirdly – and perhaps most importantly – there is a structure, in the form of the Walvis Bay Corridor Group (W BCG). It is the only corridor in the region with a properly constituted and funded secretariat that provides the platform and network for the partnerships.
