The Secretary of State for Civil Aviation, Maritime, and Port sectors, Rui Carreira, emphasized the importance of modernizing the Namibe Corridor to foster a sustainable business environment in the region.
This statement was made on Friday during the first Forum on the Port of Namibe Value Chain, celebrating the 70th anniversary of this crucial infrastructure in Namibe province and the Southern Region.
Rui Carreira highlighted the National Development Plan 2023-2027, which envisions a sustainable transport sector as a catalyst for economic growth, competitiveness, mobility, and regional integration.
He stressed the “urgent need” to revitalize the Namibe Corridor, with the Port of Namibe as its starting point.
Southern Cabotage Revival
The Secretary of State also discussed plans to revive southern cabotage, a key initiative of the Ministry of Transport aimed at reducing regional disparities.
He underscored the importance of modernizing the Moçâmedes Railway, a critical component of the Port of Namibe Value Chain, to align with ongoing investments and promote a sustainable business environment in the region.
Regional and International Connectivity
The modernization plan aims to connect local production centers with northern Namibia and landlocked countries, elevating operational standards of ports to global and regional levels through the use of advanced technologies. This approach is deemed essential for enhancing port efficiency and competitiveness.
Opened in 1954, the Port of Namibe was designed to stimulate economic development in southern Angola. Today, it stands as the third largest port in the country, playing a pivotal role in the nation’s port industry.
The forum saw participation from representatives of various government ministries, financiers (including the Credit Guarantee Fund, Active Venture Capital Fund of Angola, and the Sovereign Fund of Angola), commercial banking representatives, chambers of commerce, business associations, embassies, international organizations, and private operators in the maritime, port, and logistics subsectors. Governors from the provinces of Cuando Cubango, Cunene, Huíla, and Namibe were also in attendance.
