Standard Bank Namibia and RMB Namibia, in partnership with Terminal Investment Namibia (TIN), are playing a pivotal role in transforming the Port of Walvis Bay into a leading African transshipment hub. 

This landmark collaboration supports the terminal’s capital expenditure programme, which is expected to modernise terminal operations, enhance capacity and strengthen Namibia’s position as a key gateway for regional trade.

The investment follows Namport’s strategic decision to award TIN a 25-year concession to operate and maintain the container terminal at Walvis Bay. 

This development is expected to stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, and position Walvis Bay as a critical node in global trade corridors, reinforcing Namibia’s role in regional and international commerce.

“Standard Bank Namibia and RMB Namibia partnered to structure and deliver the external funding required for this large-scale infrastructure development. This collaboration demonstrates the ability of Namibian financial institutions to work together in unlocking investment that drives economic progress, creates jobs, and enhances trade connectivity across Southern Africa,” Standard Bank noted via a media statement. 

Tjizomundu Kavetu, investment banking manager at Standard Bank Namibia said the transaction demonstrates Standard Bank Namibia’s ability to deliver innovative, tailored solutions that enable large-scale infrastructure investments through its Corporate Investment Banking. 

“By partnering with RMB, we are supporting TIN’s vision to transform Walvis Bay into a strategic logistics hub for the region. This aligns with our purpose of driving Namibia’s growth and facilitating trade across Africa,” said Kavetu.  Standard Bank Namibia added that its contribution to the funding structure included an innovative USD-denominated tranche, tailored to meet the unique requirements of the cross-border infrastructure investment. 

This, the bank stated, underscores its leadership in structuring complex transactions and its commitment to delivering solutions that support Namibia’s long-term growth.

Leonard Hamunyela, Investment Banking Dealmaker at RMB Namibia, said that “RMB firmly believes that investing in infrastructure is not just an economic imperative. It is the very cornerstone upon which enduring prosperity is built. Our commitment is to foster a competitive Namibia and create lasting value that will benefit future generations. This landmark transaction powerfully underscores RMB’s dedication to forging strong partnerships with both local and international investors who share our vision for transformative progress”. He added that “Drawing on our unparalleled expertise in infrastructure finance, innovative structuring and tailored solutions, RMB is proud to have served as Joint Arranger, alongside Standard Bank Namibia, in crafting a bespoke financing structure. 

“This collaboration directly empowers TIN’s strategic ambition to develop a world-class transshipment hub at the Walvis Bay Container Terminal, establishing Namibia as a pivotal gateway for regional and global trade,” he said.