Pushing forward with the Namibia logistics hub
The Walvis Bay Corridor Group continues to spur growth in the region
Due to the global arena that the transport and logistics industry operates in, high standards are required. Clients are constantly on the lookout for new trade routes to improve the delivery of their products.
As an infant to the global logistics scene, Namibia needs to excel at competing with traditional routes into the region. To the Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG), innovation and persistence on trade facilitation is not an ad hoc activity. It is something that is integrated into its overall business strategy.
Clive Smith, acting CEO of WBCG, explains that a core focus for the year remains stakeholder engagements, whilst at the same time enhancing business development activities through the WBCG’s regional offices.
“We have to ensure we remain steadfast in our core mandate, that of attracting volumes to our corridors and coordinating both the public and private sector efforts towards effective implementation of the various projects and programmes of the Logistics Master Plan.”
The Logistics Master Plan is coordinated by a steering committee, chaired by the National Planning Commission (NPC). According to Smith, WBCG as the implementing agency for the master plan has embarked on several projects to mitigate bottlenecks on the Walvis Bay corridors and endorse the safe use thereof.
“We have active work groups in place to address the identified shortcomings along our routes, as we continue to move the dream of Namibia as a logistic hub forward.”
Bold new chapter
Through its Spatial Development Initiative (SDI), WBCG will continue to support the government in its efforts to accelerate development along what is traditionally known as transport corridors. With initiatives such as road safety projects, truck stops and regional industrial value chain projects, to name a few, we are adamant to further foster the transformation of these routes into economic corridors.
“Crafting a consistent and compelling trade and logistics industry for Namibia requires a fundamental shift in strategy from key stakeholders. As WBCG, we remain robust in our service delivery and in our commitment towards integrity, cooperation and applying principles of good corporate governance. With the vision of becoming the leading trade route for Southern Africa, we recommit ourselves to provide innovative service offerings to our customers by consistently exceed their expectations.”
WBCG’s calendar for 2018 reflects another year filled with extensive stakeholder engagements and industry related activities.
With past successes such as the tripartite agreement signed by the members of the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Development Corridor, WBCG continues to garner more scope with its mandate. “We now a part of the steering committee of the Federation of Clearing and Forwarding Association of Southern Africa and played a role in eliminating restrictions on heavy motor vehicles. We continue to attract foreign trade for the Port of Walvis Bay.”
Reflecting
In the past year, WBCG continued to further consolidate strategic partnerships and played a title role in the establishment of the African Corridor Management Alliance (ACMA). It invested in capacity building for the logistics industry and offered the Pan-African Parliament a perspective on a Public Private Partnership.
Most recently, four new Ship-to-Shore Container Cranes (STSs) arrived at the Port of Walvis Bay.
“These cranes are the first of its kind at our ports. They are far more productive than mobile cranes and as such, ship turnaround times are improved.”
With the arrival of the cranes, the new container terminal now stands at 80% complete and on track for commissioning in 2019. The opening of the new container terminal signifies new business opportunities and growth in trade.
The bold are challenged to take up the opportunities presented by Namibia transforming itself into a logistics hub for the region.
To continue reading about the activities and achievements of the Walvis Bay Corridor Group, please visit our website: www.wbcg.com.na
As an infant to the global logistics scene, Namibia needs to excel at competing with traditional routes into the region. To the Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG), innovation and persistence on trade facilitation is not an ad hoc activity. It is something that is integrated into its overall business strategy.
Clive Smith, acting CEO of WBCG, explains that a core focus for the year remains stakeholder engagements, whilst at the same time enhancing business development activities through the WBCG’s regional offices.
“We have to ensure we remain steadfast in our core mandate, that of attracting volumes to our corridors and coordinating both the public and private sector efforts towards effective implementation of the various projects and programmes of the Logistics Master Plan.”
The Logistics Master Plan is coordinated by a steering committee, chaired by the National Planning Commission (NPC). According to Smith, WBCG as the implementing agency for the master plan has embarked on several projects to mitigate bottlenecks on the Walvis Bay corridors and endorse the safe use thereof.
“We have active work groups in place to address the identified shortcomings along our routes, as we continue to move the dream of Namibia as a logistic hub forward.”
Bold new chapter
Through its Spatial Development Initiative (SDI), WBCG will continue to support the government in its efforts to accelerate development along what is traditionally known as transport corridors. With initiatives such as road safety projects, truck stops and regional industrial value chain projects, to name a few, we are adamant to further foster the transformation of these routes into economic corridors.
“Crafting a consistent and compelling trade and logistics industry for Namibia requires a fundamental shift in strategy from key stakeholders. As WBCG, we remain robust in our service delivery and in our commitment towards integrity, cooperation and applying principles of good corporate governance. With the vision of becoming the leading trade route for Southern Africa, we recommit ourselves to provide innovative service offerings to our customers by consistently exceed their expectations.”
WBCG’s calendar for 2018 reflects another year filled with extensive stakeholder engagements and industry related activities.
With past successes such as the tripartite agreement signed by the members of the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Development Corridor, WBCG continues to garner more scope with its mandate. “We now a part of the steering committee of the Federation of Clearing and Forwarding Association of Southern Africa and played a role in eliminating restrictions on heavy motor vehicles. We continue to attract foreign trade for the Port of Walvis Bay.”
Reflecting
In the past year, WBCG continued to further consolidate strategic partnerships and played a title role in the establishment of the African Corridor Management Alliance (ACMA). It invested in capacity building for the logistics industry and offered the Pan-African Parliament a perspective on a Public Private Partnership.
Most recently, four new Ship-to-Shore Container Cranes (STSs) arrived at the Port of Walvis Bay.
“These cranes are the first of its kind at our ports. They are far more productive than mobile cranes and as such, ship turnaround times are improved.”
With the arrival of the cranes, the new container terminal now stands at 80% complete and on track for commissioning in 2019. The opening of the new container terminal signifies new business opportunities and growth in trade.
The bold are challenged to take up the opportunities presented by Namibia transforming itself into a logistics hub for the region.
To continue reading about the activities and achievements of the Walvis Bay Corridor Group, please visit our website: www.wbcg.com.na
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