As trade volumes rise, Namibia must strengthen its logistics systems

This policy change, he warned, has already begun to cause unintended consequences beyond Botswana’s borders, disrupting supply chains and increasing costs for neighbouring countries that rely on the same corridors. 

Schmidt is quoted in various regional logistics industry publications as saying that, with more cargo expected to move through the country, Namibia must ensure its systems, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks are designed for speed, reliability and cost-effectiveness. 

“We need to think outside the box to truly seize the many opportunities that currently exist. Namibia has done an excellent job of promoting itself as a viable trade option. However, to turn this potential into reality, we must ensure that the necessary policies are in place and that we implement processes that fulfil that promise,” Schmidt is quoted as saying by ‘Supply Chain First’. 

Procedure changes can quickly impact change 

According to ‘Zambia Transport and Logistics’, he cited the recent in-transit cargo-clearing procedure change introduced by Botswana as a negative example that can quickly impact trade. 

“We are currently facing an issue that has caused significant costs and delays in one corridor. If a three-country bloc cannot resolve this, how can we expect to expand intra-regional trade further north?” Schmidt warned.  

“What happens when other countries observe what Botswana is doing, weigh the costs and benefits for their own systems, regardless of the wider impact on trade, and start following suit?” 

In November 2024, ‘Southern Africa’s Freight News’ reported: “Border backlogging at the various land entry points into Botswana continues to hold back road freight into the landlocked country following the implementation of a new per-item customs declaration procedure that has resulted in excessive cargo clearing delays. 

“While the Unique Consignment Reference (UCR) system is essentially aimed at curbing smuggling and under-invoicing by in-transit operators, Botswana-bound cargo has also been affected by the build-up of trucks at the various border posts.” 

Cargo handled by the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) at the ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz increased by almost 5% to over 8-million tonnes for the financial year ended 31 March 2025.  

This throughput of 8.42-million tonnes is up from 8.03-million tonnes handled during the previous financial year.  

Overall, Namibia’s ports are achieving the highest container throughput in over a decade.