Namport strengthens role as regional trade enabler

The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) proudly serves as a cornerstone of Namibia’s socio-economic development by delivering world-class port services that support both local and regional economies.


The Ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz are more than just transit points, they are strategic national assets that enable vital trade flows across all sectors, providing essential gateways for importing critical inputs such as Sulphur, fertilizer, and machinery, which fuel domestic and regional industries. At the same time, the two ports connect regional markets to the world by facilitating the export of high-demand raw bulk commodities like salt, beef, and copper. In this way, Namibia’s ports not only power trade but also drive growth, investment, and development across Southern Africa.


Growth - For the financial year ended 31 March 2025, Namport recorded a total cargo throughput of 8.42 million tons across the Ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz, representing a 4.8% increase from the 8.03 million tons handled in the previous year. This growth underscores the sustained strength of its operations across bulk, break-bulk, containerised, and liquid cargo segments, bolstered by continued cargo diversification, targeted infrastructure enhancements, and strategic partnerships with key industry stakeholders. The mining sector remains one of the most significant contributors, with notable increases in the export of copper concentrate, zinc concentrate, and uranium oxide concentrate through both the Ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz. Imports rose by 7.1%, led by significant gains in fertilizer, Sulphur, ammonium nitrate, and petroleum, alongside increased volumes in wheat and machinery. "This growth was primarily driven by a 12.8% surge in bulk and break-bulk (BBB) cargo, where landed volumes led to the increase. Although exports handled through the Port of Walvis Bay declined slightly by 5.7%, notable gains were achieved in salt bulk, copper and lead concentrates, charcoal, wooden products, as well as marble and granite. The port of Walvis Bay also marked the first-time export of key critical minerals such as nickel and zinc concentrates positioning Namibia as an emerging player in the global mineral supply chain," explained Elias Mwenyo, the Namport Executive for Commercial Services. The Port of Lüderitz recorded a 21.7% increase in total cargo volumes, rising from 1.21 million tons to 1.47 million tons year-on-year. This growth was primarily driven by a rise in imports, notably in empty containers, petroleum products, wet fish, and machinery, reflecting increased activity across several sectors. While total exports declined by 5.4%, this was partially offset by steady growth in key commodities such as zinc ore, frozen fish, and ice, which continued to perform well on a year-on-year basis.


TEUs - The two ports have achieved a notable achievement, marking the highest container throughput in over a decade, demonstrating a significant surge in cargo volumes and improved operational efficiency. During the period under review, a total of 253,996 TEUs were handled by the Namibian Ports, representing a substantial 33% year-on-year increase, equivalent to 82,845 TEUs. "This achievement highlights more than just a rise in regional and international trade, it also underscores Namport’s operational agility, strategic foresight in attracting high value cargo volumes, ongoing investments in port infrastructure, and strong collaborations with cargo carriers and cargo owners. These efforts have collectively contributed to the successful diversion of traffic from competing ports in the region to Namibia’s ports. And while the total number of vessel calls declined by 13% year-on-year, this decline in vessel traffic was offset by an increase in vessel gross tonnage, reflecting a shift toward larger, higher-capacity vessels particularly at the Port of Walvis Bay," said Mwenyo. Namport’s Syncrolift repair facilities recorded mixed performance during the year under review. Occupancy at the repair jetties decreased from 96% to 75%. Meanwhile, repair bay occupancy remained relatively stable at 47% year-on-year.


Tourism - Cruise tourism also rebounded at both ports, with increased international vessel calls including the prestigious MSC Musica enhancing the ports' roles in supporting Namibia’s growing tourism economy. Namport attributes this positive performance to the collaborative efforts of its stakeholders, including the Walvis Bay Corridor Group, shipping lines, government agencies, cargo owners, and port users. "The dedication of Namport’s workforce and customer trust remain central to achieving its mandate. As the Port Authority continues to invest in soft and hard port infrastructure, Namport remains firmly committed to its strategic vision of becoming Africa’s best-performing port and accelerating regional trade and economic integration," Mwenyo concluded.


The Namibian Ports Authority is a state-owned entity established by an Act of Parliament in 1994, following the reintegration of Walvis Bay into Namibia with an exclusive mandate to operate, manage and develop the country’s Ports namely, the Port of Walvis Bay and the Port of Lüderitz.