Namibia launches its second State of Logistics Report

The second Namibia State of Logistics report was launched in Walvis Bay on the 25^th of March 2021 by Works and Transport Deputy Minister Honourable Veiko Nekundi, who launched the report on behalf of his Minister, Honourable John Mutorwa. The study was carried out by the Namibian-German Centre for Logistics (NGCL) based at the Namibia University of Science and Technology and supported by the Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG), German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and several key industry institutions.

Speaking at the launch, Hon. Nekundi said that Namibia has made great strides towards developing transport infrastructure. “This not only benefits Namibians, but also our neighbouring countries. Not only do we have good transport infrastructure at our disposal, we have a port with great potential to stimulate regional economic integration. The port of Walvis Bay is well equipped, reliable, safe, and efficient and is expanding rapidly. For the fifth consecutive year, Namibia has retained its position as the country with the best road network (number one) on the continent.”

“This report is a crucial industry document as it provides fact-based metrics and knowledge about the sector and logistics activities which are essential to establish reliable benchmarks. It also allows the marketing, advertising and advancing of the Logistics Hub not only in the region, but internationally,” Hon. Nekundi said.

The Namibia State of Logistics report for 2020, builds upon the work of the first report (launched in 2019) and includes a section that investigates the impact of Covid-19 on the sector. The report says the logistics industry has seen reduced demand and delayed schedules caused by regulations since the start of the COVID 19 pandemic. Almost overnight, trade and logistics demand reduced with the outbreak of the pandemic. The report further revealed that the pandemic brought about delays, a situation made worse by lockdowns, no-fly zones and similar measures around the world.

Deputy Minister of Works and Transport Hon. Veikko Nekundi said trends did not completely break down the industry. Proprietors in the trade and logistics sectors chose flexible ways of going forward including developing, diversify and thriving from the new challenges.

The WBCG CEO, Mbahupu Tjivikua says he is optimistic that the industry can recover if players embrace the new normal. “Essential supply chains have continued to operate, goods have been transported and delivered, and trade has continued, allowing businesses, communities and individuals to survive. All this was done under challenging circumstances, strict quarantine rules and more complicated border procedures.”

The minister praised the logistics industry for its resilience in these trying times. He further noted that moving forward by learning, training, planning and innovation can give Namibia’s logistics sector a bright future that has the potential to bring great benefits to the country. “Besides ensuring the supply and delivery of goods to the nation, it also contributes greatly to the economic development and to the now needed economic recovery. And we can also contribute to the economic development of the whole SADC region, by giving especially our land-locked neighbours efficient and affordable access to world-wide markets.”

The WBCG along with the NGCL will further present the report to industry at upcoming planned sessions. Please feel free to contact marketing@wbcg.com.na should you wish to learn more about the report.

Should you wish to download the report or view it online, visit the following link: http://www.wbcg.com.na/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/NGCL_Namibia-State-of-Logistics_Report2020-1.pdf