As Namibia establishes itself in the global sport tourism arena, few events shine as brightly as the Nedbank Desert Dash.

This extraordinary race, the longest single-stage mountain bike event in the world, captures the thrill of the Dakar Rally, but on two wheels.

Participants embark on an exhilarating 401-kilometre journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Khomas Hochland and Namib Desert – all within a demanding 24-hour timeframe.

Red Bull aptly describes the dash as a ‘race of extremes’, where participants experience both the majestic dunes of the Namib Desert and the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

What began two decades ago as a modest event with just 44 participants has evolved into a global spectacle.  

This year’s event is set to attract over 900 cyclists from around the world. 

In recent years, the event has drawn international cyclists from a diverse range of countries, including the Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, the United States, Germany, Canada, Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom, Australia, Italy, Switzerland and Austria.

Martha Murorua, managing director of Nedbank Namibia, stated that “The Nedbank Desert Dash symbolises something far greater than just a race. It’s an opportunity to harness the economic potential of sport tourism in our country”.

The World Tourism Organisation said sport tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, thriving on the rising interest in sport activities, while offering authentic local experiences. 

Currently, sport tourism accounts for around 10% of global tourism expenditure.

It is projected to grow at an impressive rate of 17.5% between 2023 and 2030.

These global trends align with the upward trajectory of Namibia’s local tourism industry. 

At present, tourism is the fastest-growing economic sector in Namibia, employing over
100 000 individuals, particularly in rural areas.

“This sector plays a vital role in alleviating rural poverty. Considering the overall growth of our nation’s tourism landscape, the potential for expansion in sport tourism, specifically, is immense,” she added.

“We’ve observed the tremendous success of our regional neighbour South Africa in growing its sport tourism industry. In 2022, their sport tourism accounted for between 2% and 5% of the global market, attracting over 50 000 visitors each year, and injecting approximately US$3.6 billion into the local economy,” Murorua remarked.

For example, the Comrades Marathon, one of the world’s premier ultra-marathon events, contributed around N$600 million to the economy in Kwa-Zulu Natal, while Cape Town’s Two Oceans Marathon provided an estimated N$627 million boost to the region’s tourism and hospitality sectors.

“Additionally, remarkable examples of this phenomenon have been witnessed further afield,” she added.

Boston, for example, experienced a US$200 million economic boost when 30 000 runners and countless spectators from 130 countries gathered for the 128th Boston Marathon in April.

‘These sporting events have transformed their host cities into global tourist destinations, leading to increased international participation, and significant investments in local economies. 

Namibia stands poised to experience similar growth, leveraging events like the Dash to become a vibrant hub for sport tourism,’ she said.

Beyond enhancing Namibia’s reputation as a premier sport tourism destination, the Dash also provides a substantial boost to small and medium enterprises, injecting an estimated N$25 million into local businesses.

“The impact of the influx of race participants, spectators and support staff on small businesses is remarkable,” she noted. 

“The Nedbank Desert Dash has become a vital economic driver for Namibia, particularly in Windhoek and Swakopmund. Demand for accommodation, dining and other services surges, providing a much-needed lift to local enterprises. Hotels, guesthouses and lodges often reach full occupancy, frequently booked months in advance,” she asserted.

Such events not only stimulate the economy at both micro and macro levels but also encourage infrastructure investment from both the private and public sectors.

“With a renewed emphasis on investment, led by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) as well as the Ministry of Trade and Industrialisation, the Dash stands out as a beacon for potential investors. These organisations are dedicated to enhancing Namibia’s global standing, and events like these are vital to achieving that vision,” Murorua said.

Demonstrating his dedication to the initiatives of the NIPDB and the ministry, our president, Dr Nangolo Mbumba, recently co-chaired the Pivotal Summit of the Future during the 79th High-Level Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. 

During this visit, he oversaw the adoption of the Pact of the Future, which calls on world leaders to address pressing global challenges such as climate change, development financing, rising inequality, conflict and food security.

“While promoting our nation on the world stage, His Excellency’s efforts align seamlessly with Namibia’s commitment to prioritising climate action and sustainability,” she said.

“The Nedbank Desert Dash takes place in an ecologically- sensitive area, underscoring the importance of environmental sustainability. The event not only raises awareness about environmental issues, but also promotes conservation initiatives, with participants and organisers actively advocating for the preservation of the Namib’s pristine beauty, while minimising the ecological footprint of the race,” she noted.

In addition to fostering environmental stewardship, the Nedbank Desert Dash serves as a powerful platform for social good.

“Many riders dedicate their efforts to raising awareness and funds for critical causes. We’ve seen participants push their limits to highlight urgent issues such as wildlife conservation, educational initiatives in underprivileged communities, and healthcare projects that deliver essential medical services to remote areas.”

Nedbank’s longstanding commitment to the Nedbank Desert Dash embodies the green bank’s ethos of being “money experts who do good”.

This dedication is reflected in Nedbank Namibia’s active involvement with the race, which yields numerous positive outcomes for the nation – from supporting small businesses in coastal towns to creating investment opportunities and promoting the conservation of our fragile ecosystems.

With the support of both public and private sectors, we aim to significantly accelerate this growth,” Murorua said. 

‘In turn,  this will position Namibia as a premier destination in the sport tourism arena.”