The Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG) convened a two-day Strategic Planning Session in Walvis Bay on 25–26 March 2026, bringing together the WBCG Board Members and key industry partners to chart the WBCG’s future direction and vision. The session was convened as the previous Strategic Plan (2021-2026) was concluded on 31 March 2026, marking an important transition point for the WBCG.
The primary objective of the engagement was to collaboratively draft the 2026–2031 Strategic Plan, which will guide the WBCG’s priorities and strategic initiatives over the next five years. The strategic engagement also focused on ensuring alignment with Namibia’s national priorities as outlined in the National Development Plan 6 (NDP6) and other national strategic frameworks aimed at positioning Namibia as the Logistics Hub for the SADC Region.
The planning session provided an opportunity to reflect on progress made under the previous strategy, assess emerging opportunities and challenges within the logistics landscape, and define strategic initiatives that will increase cargo volumes and strengthen the competitiveness of the Walvis Bay Corridors. Significant progress achieved under the 2021–2026 Strategic Plan, includes corridor volumes reaching a record high of 2.5 million tonnes during the 2024/25 financial year. In collaboration with Namport, this milestone stands as a testament to the WBCG’s sustained efforts in business development and trade facilitation.
These volumes reflect throughput recorded at the Ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz, supporting cargo flows to and from key regional markets including Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The period also recorded the successful introduction of new commodities, including sugar, coal, copper concentrate, zinc and avocado exports, demonstrating growing confidence in the Walvis Bay Corridors and expanding trade diversification across the region.
Board Members and participating industry partners engaged in forward-looking discussions focused on enhancing corridor performance, strengthening stakeholder collaboration, expanding market reach, and reinforcing Namibia’s position as a preferred trade route to and from Southern Africa.
The session further underscored the importance of continued collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders in advancing Namibia’s Logistics Hub ambitions and supporting seamless trade flows across regional markets.
The Chairperson of the WBCG Board, Mr. Andrew Kanime, emphasised the importance of strategic continuity and partnership in shaping the WBCG’s future direction: “As we conclude the 2021–2026 Strategic Plan, this session represents a critical milestone in ensuring continuity, relevance, and sustained growth for the WBCG. The development of the 2026–2031 Strategic Plan reflects our collective commitment to strengthening corridor performance, trade facilitation, deepening stakeholder collaboration, and positioning the Walvis Bay Corridors as the preferred and most reliable trade routes for the region.”
The WBCG’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Edward Shivute, highlighted the operational and strategic impact of the corridors: “Our record throughput and the diversification of commodities demonstrate that the Walvis Bay Corridors are not just transport routes, they are enablers of regional trade, economic growth and investment. The Strategic Plan will ensure that our future initiatives continue to deliver measurable value to our members, partners, corridor users and all stakeholders contributing to the efficiency, growth and sustainability of the Walvis Bay Corridors.”
The WBCG extends its appreciation to all Board Members and industry partners who contributed their expertise and insights during the session, reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening Namibia’s logistics sector and supporting regional economic development.
