Niël Terblanché
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has granted Namibia a significant boost with the approval of a N$3.5 billion loan to fund the second phase of the Transport Infrastructure Improvement Project (TIIP).
The loan, representing 51.8 percent of the project’s total cost, aims to enhance Namibia’s transportation infrastructure and connectivity.
According to an official statement released by Leila Mokaddem, Director General for Southern Africa at the AfDB, the Namibian government will provide the remaining 48.2 percent of the project’s funding.
The TIIP’s second phase is an ambitious endeavour that involves the construction of 207 kilometres of new rail tracks, running parallel to the existing line between Kranzberg and Otjiwarongo.
The project will utilize concrete railway sleepers and new rails for improved durability and efficiency.
Key components of the project include the construction of 16 bridges, the renovation of two railway stations, and the procurement of 55,000 tonnes of rails for the development of 518 kilometres of new track.
Additionally, the initiative will focus on modernizing the railway signalling system along the Walvis Bay-Tsumeb line to enhance reliability, safety, capacity, and the overall performance of the railway network.
“This project will maximize the benefits and be transformative for the competitiveness of Namibia and assist in attaining the Vision of the country becoming a regional logistics hub by 2030 while catalyzing development change in neighbouring countries and the sub-region,” Mokaddem said.
Mokaddem also highlighted the regional significance of the project. She stated that the project will improve rail transport between Namibia and the landlocked countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The AfDB has previously supported Namibia’s infrastructure development, including funding the expansion of the container terminal at the Port of Walvis Bay.
These investments aim to integrate Namibia further into the region’s transport requirements by building critical port and rail infrastructure to facilitate the movement of goods, support value chains, and promote trade.
The second phase of the Transport Infrastructure Improvement Project signifies a major step forward for Namibia’s transportation sector, positioning the country as a critical player in regional logistics and connectivity.
According to Mokaddem, the continued collaboration between the AfDB and Namibia is evidence of the institution’s commitment to promoting economic growth and development in the country.
ing applying for the programme and settling their outstanding capital amounts for each year of non-compliance.
“Through the penalty waiver programme, BIPA’s primary objective is to ensure that businesses are able to restore their dream of building competitive Namibian businesses and in doing so, inspire a culture of innovation, economic resilience and compliance,” she said.
Katjiuongua reiterated that registered business entities are obliged to submit an annual return and pay associated duties to the Registrar of Business and Intellectual Property.
Stating that BIPA recognised that some business owners may not have been aware of the post-registration obligations and as such, these businesses continued to incur penalties for non-compliance, hence the introduction of the waiver programme.
She explained that the waiver program was approved by BIPA’s Board of Directors and has been endorsed by Cabinet, with its primary objective of providing relief to business entities which is aligned with the government’s commitment to stimulate the local economy.
Furthermore, the CEO stated that participating businesses would now be able to amend their businesses, something not previously allowed when they owed outstanding duties and penalties.
Additionally, she explained that businesses will receive a BIPA good standing certificate upon application and payment processing. This certificate will enable businesses to submit their good standing status along with other mandatory documents when participating in public procurement bids.
Katjiuongua emphasised that another advantage for participating businesses is the ability to attract both domestic and foreign investors, while noting that investors often conduct due diligence on Namibian businesses, including an assessment of their level of compliance with their post-registration obligations.
To this end, she is optimistic that the waiver programme will have a profoundly positive impact on the Namibian business sector, as it presents businesses with a unique opportunity to reset and ensure future compliance.
