The Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG) has come a long way since it started in 2000. Back then, it handled no transit cargo. Today, the corridor carries nearly 2.5 million metric tonnes of cargo each year. 

This was shared by Andrew Kanime, chairperson of the WBCG Board, during the group’s 25th anniversary celebration. The event was held under the theme “Celebrating 25 Years of Corridor Success.” 

Kanime spoke about the important role the corridor has played in helping trade grow and making Namibia a key trade and transport hub in Southern Africa. 

“Over the past 25 years, our corridor has been truly transformative, with cargo volumes telling the story best,” he said. 

The Walvis Bay Corridor links Namibia to several neighbouring countries. They help goods move faster and more easily between ports and inland markets in the Southern Af r i can Devel opment Community (SADC) region. 

WBCG’s work has helped build stronger connections between countries and has made Namibia a preferred route for importers and exporters in the region. 

The celebration also recognised the hard work and partnerships that made this growth possible. 

“This 25th anniversary is not only about numbers. It is about people, the truck driver who moves freight safely across countries, the customs officer who clears cargo efficiently, the healthcare worker at the wellness centre, and the businesses and communities that thrive because trade moves faster, safer and more reliably through Namibia.” 

In his address, Natangwe Ithete, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, commended WBCG and its partners for their role in transforming Namibia into the preferred trade route in the region. 

He noted that over the past 25 years, Namibia’s corridor development has demonstrated that, despite a small population, the country’s strategic location allows it to serve a market of over 350 million consumers within the SADC region. 

He further emphasised that WBCG’s strong public-private partnership setup and sustained commitment are key to positioning Namibia as the Logistics Hub for the SADC region. “On behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, I pledge our continued partnership, support and our resolve to make the next 25 years even more prosperous,” he said 

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Works and Transport, Veikko Nekundi, reaffirmed government’s unwavering commitment to corridor development. 

He emphasised that the transport sector is highly capital-intensive, requiring substantial investment to maintain, upgrade, and expand roads, railways, ports and airports. 

“Government will continue to allocate annual budgetary provisions to sustain and strengthen these critical subsectors,” he said. 

-pmukokobi@nepc.com.na