Chamwe Kaira
Revenues from the fuel levy are not enough to support road development and maintenance in Namibia. This is according to the Namibia Country Strategy Paper for 2025 to 2030 released by the African Development Bank Group.
The report says the transport sector also faces an ageing rail network, skills shortages, and gaps in legal and regulatory frameworks. It outlines plans to expand infrastructure, strengthen skills, and support job creation. The bank said the government is shifting focus from road to rail. This is reflected in funding allocations.
Namibia aims to position itself as a transport and logistics hub in Southern Africa. The sector includes four parts. The road network covers 48,900 kilometres. The railway network spans 2,687 kilometres. The country has eight airports. Walvis Bay and Lüderitz serve as main ports and handle 21.2 million tonnes of cargo each year.
An interministerial committee is working on rail development. It is focusing on links with Angola and Zambia.
The report says growth along the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Corridor will depend on better cooperation with neighbouring countries. It also requires improved logistics services and stronger rail infrastructure to move bulk cargo such as copper and other minerals.
The bank said it has experience in infrastructure development, especially in transport and water. Over the past 10 years, infrastructure made up 34% of its support to Namibia.
Projects supported include the Walvis Bay Port expansion, the railway upgrade between Walvis Bay and Kransberg, and the Hosea Kutako International Airport road.
The bank said continued investment will build on these projects. It also plans to work with partners such as the European Union, Germany, Japan and Spain.
The bank has also funded education and training projects. Through the Education Quality Improvement Project from 2018 to 2024, it supported the construction and rehabilitation of 27 institutions across all regions.
At present, only the bank and KfW are supporting education infrastructure in Namibia. The bank said it will use its experience to improve skills development. This includes support for youth employment, entrepreneurship, and private sector growth.
