Walvis Bay plays increasingly vital role for Angola traffic

Namibia plays an important role when it comes to moving cargo into Angola as it not only offers an alternative route for imports to the country, but also has the benefit of a well-functioning port. Johny Smith, CEO of the Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG), says a lot of cargo is being moved via the Port of Walvis Bay in Namibia into Angola by road. “The Angolan government is in the process of rehabilitating its main highways including the link between Namibia and Angola. This makes Namibia a real alternative route for Angolan imports.” With major demand for consumer goods and construction materials in Angola at present, opportunities abound. “Establishing partnerships is key,” says Smith. “That is why the WBCG is in the process of setting up a transport forum to discuss the various cross-border challenges. Between Angola and Namibia there is also a permanent joint commission representing various government agencies to discuss matters of common concern.” Smith says statistics have shown that the Trans Cunene Corridor has enjoyed an average increase of 85% per annum of cargo volumes shipped via Walvis Bay between 2004 and 2009. “The interest from various importers and exporters from Angola has been overwhelmingly encouraging – speedy customs clearance and shorter sailing times have time and again proved to be crucial for importers and exporters.” According to Smith the WBCG recently undertook a fact-finding mission at the borders between Namibia and Angola. “The purpose of the mission was to identify tariff and non-tariff trade barriers or issues that hamper smooth trade facilitation, to identify bottlenecks and congestion along the Trans Cunene Corridor and to identify new and important infrastructure needs to support trade facilitation.” And, says Smith, the outlook is positive. “Yes, there are challenges like border crossing times that can be improved as transporters have to wait more than two days for clearance, but for the most part the outlook is extremely positive. We believe there will be many more opportunities in the near future as the Angolan economy is growing.”