The Walvis Bay Corridor is witnessing a surge in cargo volumes as mineral production in Zambia’s Copperbelt expands, bolstered by investments in new mining ventures. According to Mbahupu Hippy Tjivikua, CEO of the Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG), this growth reinforces the port’s strategic importance as a gateway to global markets.“We have observed that the volumes moving in and out of the Copperbelt are increasing, driven by the expansion in mineral production by existing mines and investments in new mining ventures, such as KoBold Metals in Chingola and Kalengwa in Mufumbwe,” Tjivikua said. “With this upward trajectory in volumes, leveraging the Port of Walvis Bay as a strategic gateway provides a seamless and efficient connection to international markets.”Elisha Matambo, Zambian Copperbelt minister, echoed these sentiments at a recent Copperbelt information-sharing session in Kitwe, Zambia. He emphasised the importance of Walvis Bay in supporting the region’s mining sector, in light of the need for efficient, cost-effective logistics solutions to enhance the region’s competitiveness.“To that end, we have placed the Zambian dry port under Zamcargo to increase Zambia’s presence in Namibia, and consequently we anticipate quick growth of Zambia’s logistical footprint in the country.”According to Tjivikua, the benefits of using Walvis Bay to move Copperbelt minerals are clear. “We offer shorter transit times, competitive logistics solutions and efficient connections to global markets.”He said one important development was that of the new strategic corridor, Kolwezi-Kambimba-Lumwana-Mangu-Katima Mulilo-Walvis Bay, which was being championed by Sandstone Consortium. “This new corridor will be 235km shorter than the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Development Corridor (WBNLDC), and up to seven days faster. Furthermore, a new border post will be constructed between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia for this corridor, along with the development of a new road featuring toll facilities. Once completed, this route is set to provide a faster and more efficient alternative for exports and imports to and from the Port of Walvis Bay, enhancing regional connectivity.”Tjivikua said that in terms of challenges, poor road infrastructure continued to affect accelerated growth of the industry as the cost of vehicle repair and maintenance kept increasing. “High fuel costs and f luctuating fuel prices also negatively affect the cost of transport and logistics in Zambia. Furthermore, inadequate border infrastructure and limited resources are causing significant constraints to the industry,” he told Freight News. “However, there have been concerted efforts by the Zambian and DRC authorities to ease congestion by opening additional border points such as Mokambo and Sakania border posts.”He said that despite obstacles, the Copperbelt remained a critical economic hub, with the WBCG aiming to provide the safest, most efficient and shortest trade route to facilitate the seamless f low of goods between southern Africa and international markets.“The outlook for the Copperbelt province is promising. We foresee this leading to a significant increase in minerals such as copper’s output and export, stimulating economic progress across all industries, especially transport and logistics. Furthermore, the increasing demand for the importation of sulphur, mining consumables and their associated heavy equipment will further enhance trade. This outlook presents an opportunity to position Namibia as the preferred trade route.”LV
