The Port of Walvis Bay recorded a 48% surge in container throughput, reaching 365,190 TEUs during the 2025/26 financial year, as Namport declared a N$130 million dividend to the Government of Namibia.
The dividend was formally handed over by Namport Board Chairperson Jerome Mouton to Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi on Monday, 28 September 2026, following the authority’s Annual General Meeting in Windhoek.
Namport’s container volumes increased from 253,929 TEUs in 2024/25 to 365,190 TEUs in 2025/26, marking the first full financial year following the concession of the New Container Terminal at Walvis Bay. Namport attributed the increase to stronger integration into international shipping networks and early returns from the concession partnership.
The stronger port activity was reflected in Namport’s financial performance. The authority’s profit increased from N$492 million to N$579 million, while group profit rose from N$583 million to N$614 million.
However, not all cargo sectors recorded growth. Bulk and break-bulk volumes declined by 6% to just under six million tonnes, amid weaker regional demand and constraints in the mining and energy sectors.
Despite this decline, Namport said disciplined expenditure management and the revised revenue model following the terminal concession helped maintain profitability and liquidity.
Mouton said the dividend was declared after considering Namport’s liquidity, sustainability requirements and future investment needs. “Namport has significant reserves and can cover continued expansion as well as pay the dividend to the shareholder,” he said.
Nekundi said the dividend represented only a portion of Namport’s available resources, leaving the authority in a position to continue investing in major projects, including developments linked to Namibia’s emerging oil and energy sector.
Namport also spent N$589 million on procurement, of which about N$336 million went to Namibian-owned enterprises, including N$116 million to small and medium-sized businesses.
Nekundi praised Namport’s board, management and employees and gave his concurrence for performance bonuses for workers, saying the authority’s results demonstrated their contribution.
Namport’s Green Port Index reached 68%, surpassing its 65% target.
With planned investments including the Walvis Bay North Port, as well as opportunities at Lüderitz and Angra Point, Namport is positioning itself for increased regional trade, offshore energy and mineral exports.
By Rudi Bowe
