Railway projects aligned with corridor development
The Walvis Bay Corridor Group, a key player in Namibia's corridor development, is actively involved in the proposed Trans-Zambezi and Trans-Kalahari railway projects. CEO Mbahupu Tjivikua announced the group's participation in technical committees to ensure these projects align with strategic initiatives.
The Trans-Kalahari Railway, a joint venture between Botswana and Namibia, aims to connect Walvis Bay to Botswana's Mmamabula coalfields. Tjivikua highlighted the Trans-Zambezi Railway's importance for enhancing connectivity and streamlining cargo flow between Namibia, Zambia, and the DRC. This railway will support increased cargo capacity, especially for bulk commodities, boosting trade efficiency and reducing business costs in the region.
The extension of the Grootfontein-Katima Mulilo railway will further connect Namibia, Zambia, and Botswana, extending to Zimbabwe and the DRC. Tjivikua noted significant cargo volume growth driven by demand from Angola, Botswana, DRC, Malawi, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, fueled by mining expansions in DRC, Botswana, and Zambia.
Emerging markets in oil, gas, and green hydrogen industries are also driving growth, with major corporations setting up in Walvis Bay and Lüderitz. Namibia's mining sector, especially in lithium and uranium, is expected to further boost transport and logistics demand.
The group anticipates increased manganese exports via Lüderitz starting in the third quarter. Tjivikua emphasized their proactive business development has attracted new clients and diversified commodities, including sugar imports from Brazil and coal and copper concentrate exports from Botswana. These efforts strengthen Namibia's position as a key trade route in Southern Africa.
Main commodities on the Trans-Kalahari Corridor include sugar, coal, copper concentrate, and in-transit fuel. The Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Corridor handles copper, sulphur, vehicles, consumer goods, fuel, and malt. The Trans-Oranje Corridor transports manganese from South Africa to China via Lüderitz.
