CHAMWE KAIRA
The Walvis Bay Corridor Group anticipates an increase in manganese exports via the Port of Lüderitz, commencing in the third quarter of 2024, CEO Mbahupu Tjivikua disclosed to Observer Money.
He noted that indications are that there is a notable growth in cargo volumes, driven by an increasing demand for goods across key markets such as Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Malawi, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Expansion in mining activities, particularly in DRC, Botswana and Zambia, are contributing to the increased demand for transport and logistics services, he noted.
The other growth factors are the oil, gas and green hydrogen industries that are emerging in Walvis Bay and Lüderitz.
“Additionally, Namibia’s growing mining industry, with notable ventures in lithium and uranium, is poised to further boost the demand for transport and logistics services in tandem with these emerging markets. Furthermore, we anticipate an increase in manganese exports via the Port of Lüderitz, commencing in the third quarter of 2024,” Tjivikua added.
Furthermore, he said the group’s proactive approach to business development and trade facilitation has been instrumental in attracting new clients and boosting cargo volumes. This has led to new commodities being introduced into the market, including sugar imports from Brazil, as well as exports of coal and copper concentrate from Botswana.
The group has been actively promoting Namibian ports through various initiatives in conjunction with the government, Namport and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPBD).
These include hosting information sharing sessions, and Logistics Hub forums, participating and exhibiting at various international platforms, and conducting Business-to-Business meetings in key markets such as South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and DRC.
“These efforts aim to raise awareness about Namibia and the comprehensive logistics solutions we offer. We also strive to continuously strengthen our relationships, grow its networks by welcoming new strategic partners, positioning Namibia as Africa’s preferred trade route and the logistics hub for Southern Africa.”
Moreover, Tjivikua said the group has evolved into a significant institution with a significant impact on trade within the SADC Region. Through its trade facilitation efforts, the group contributes to the reduction of trade barriers and bottlenecks, thereby reducing the cost of doing business in the region.
“At the moment, we are regarded as the best Corridor Management Institution (CMI) on the African continent.”
The main commodities transported on the Walvis Bay Corridors include sugar from Brazil to Botswana and Zimbabwe; coal exports from Botswana to China; copper concentrate from Botswana to China; and, in transit fuel export from Botswana.
The other goods include sulphur, new vehicles; fast-moving consumer goods; in transit fuel export from Zambia; and, malt to DRC and Zambia and manganese from the Northern Cape of South Africa to China via Lüderitz.
