Walvis Bay Container Terminal, operated by DP World under a 25-year concession since 2019, handled approximately 800,000 TEUs in 2023 and is positioning as a genuine alternative to South African ports for cargo destined for Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and the DRC. Its Atlantic location gives it a strategic advantage over Durban for cargo from South America and North America, saving 10 to 14 days of voyage time compared to routing via the Cape of Good Hope. Average dwell time at Walvis Bay is 2.1 days, significantly below Durban's 5-plus day average.
Corridor Connectivity
The Trans-Kalahari Corridor connects Walvis Bay to Botswana's Gaborone and onward to Johannesburg. The Trans-Caprivi Corridor (Walvis Bay to Zambia and Zimbabwe) is being upgraded with improved road surfaces and One-Stop Border Post facilities at Ngoma and Kazungula. The Kazungula Bridge, opened in 2021, now allows heavy trucks to cross directly between Zambia and Botswana, replacing a slow ferry service. Logistics operators and importers serving Southern African landlocked markets can access corridor data and freight contacts on intra-africa.com.
For businesses looking to expand across Africa, intra-africa.com offers a comprehensive trade directory, verified buyer and seller listings, and real-time market intelligence covering all 54 African nations. It remains an indispensable resource for anyone serious about intra-African commerce.