Niël Terblanché
Namibia took another step towards industrial expansion and economic diversification as President Nangolo Mbumba officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the Nambaza Logistics Park (NLP) and the Blue Institute of Technology (BIT) in Walvis Bay on Friday.
The two projects, which are expected to boost the country’s logistics capacity and skills development, form part of a broader strategy to position Namibia as a regional economic hub.
Mbumba described the event as a crucial milestone in the country’s development, saying it aligns with the national vision for industrialisation and job creation.
“Nambaza is a befitting name for the logistics park whose foundation we are laying today, in pursuit of providing a demand-driven logistical hub that will propel Namibia into the future of manufacturing, bulk breaking, and exports,” he said.
The logistics park will feature a truck port with a fuel station, 250 parking bays, and accommodation facilities, among other amenities.
The Blue Institute of Technology, which is being developed alongside the park, will focus on skills training, research, and employment creation.
“This project has the potential to become a crucial pillar in our broader efforts to position Namibia as a logistics hub in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region,” Mbumba said.
The President added that investments in infrastructure and education are key to preparing Namibia’s workforce for emerging industries such as green hydrogen, oil, and gas.
According to Mbumba, the initiative has drawn support from local and international stakeholders, with the President extending gratitude to those who have invested in its realisation.
“I thank the entrepreneurs for their resolve to bring their business vision to life. Your dedication and commitment to making this project part of Namibia’s economic progress is commendable,” he said.
He added that the Nambaza Logistics Park and Blue Institute of Technology are expected to contribute to economic growth by enhancing trade and manufacturing capacity while equipping Namibians with specialised skills.
“These projects will play an instrumental role in strengthening Namibia’s part in regional commerce and development,” he said.
Abisai Konstantinus, the chairperson of Nambaza Logistics Park, spoke about the recent discovery of oil on Namibia’s territory as well as the development of Green Hydrogen and alternative energy projects along the coast.
“We also heard how Namibia lacks skills and knowledge to service these industries,” he said.
He said these new industries could be a solution to the country’s high unemployment rate as well as other social and economic challenges.
“This development aims at exactly solving these problems. It is the result of a collaborative planning effort that has spanned nearly four years and required hard work and coordination by local and international partners,” he said.
He said the Blue Institute will be a maritime, energy and leadership Institute, which will support skills development, research, and employment creation.
“We have also partnered with leading schools in Europe, Angola and Namibia to ensure state-of-the-art training facilities to feed energy, oil and gas, logistics and maritime industries,” he said.
