The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) has been ranked among Namibia’s top three best-governed commercial public enterprises, securing joint second place in the inaugural IJG Annual Public Enterprise Governance Ranking 2026.
Namport achieved an impressive score of 19 out of 20 in the independent assessment, which evaluated commercial public enterprises over the five-year period from 2021 to 2025.
The ranking measured governance and performance across key indicators, including transparency through annual report publication, profitability, reliance on government transfers and leadership stability.
In a statement, Namport described the achievement as more than just an accolade, saying it reflects the organisation’s deliberate efforts over the past five years to build a commercially competitive, operationally efficient and well-governed institution.
The authority received full marks for annual reporting, independence from government fiscal transfers and chief executive officer stability, highlighting its commitment to sound governance and strategic consistency. Namport also pointed to its remarkable financial turnaround as a key contributor to the ranking.
After recording a loss of N$44.6 million during the 2020/21 financial year, the authority rebounded strongly, growing its profitability to N$864.5 million by the 2024/25 financial year. “This trajectory from loss to sustained profitability reflects the quality of the decisions made at every level of the institution and the commitment of our people to execute with excellence,” the authority said.
Among the milestones recognised in the report is Namport’s landmark 25-year partnership with Terminal Investment Limited (TIL), a subsidiary of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), to operate the new container terminal at the Port of Walvis Bay.
The agreement is regarded as one of the most significant commercial transactions in Namibia’s port history and is expected to strengthen Walvis Bay’s position as a key logistics hub on the global shipping network. Namport also highlighted its growing involvement in Namibia’s emerging offshore oil and gas and green hydrogen industries, saying these strategic investments are positioning the Port of Walvis Bay at the centre of the country’s future energy economy.
According to the authority, the ranking demonstrates that good governance and strong commercial performance go hand in hand. “An institution that is transparent, financially disciplined and led with stability will consistently outperform one that is not,” Namport said.
The authority thanked its board of directors, executive management and employees for their contribution to the achievement, reaffirming its commitment to advancing Namibia’s trade and logistics ambitions while delivering world-class port services that create sustainable value for the country.
By Rudi Bowe
