Staff Reporter

Zimbabwe’s Dry Port in Walvis Bay, Namibia, will soon be turning five years on 26 July this year.  

Speaking to this publication, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development Communications Officer said strategies had been put in place to ensure the Dry Port remains viable and are worthy to be celebrated as the Dry Port turns 5 years.

“We are going to celebrate the Zimbabwe Dry Port which is turning five years on 26 July 2024. We are confident that these strategies will ensure the Zimbabwe Dry Port's continued viability and growth,” said the Communications Officer.

The Officer also said, the Dry Port had since achieved sustainable revenue streams and that profits should be recorded until the end of this year’s financial calendar.

“Since 2019 to 2022 the Dry Port has been operating on deficit balance due to unstable revenue streams and lack of equipment to capacitate the Dry Port.  Following strategic adjustments in compliance, contracts, and pricing, we have achieved sustainable revenue streams. As a result, we have recorded profits since May 2024, with a projected continued growth trajectory until the end of the current financial year.

“While our turnover has been steady, it previously struggled to cover fixed costs. However, our strategic adjustments have yielded an approximate 100% increase in revenues, indicating a positive trend,” said the officer.

The communications officer also said the Dry Port had implemented viability strategies to remain viable.

“To remain viable we have employed the following viability strategies, we have aligned our pricing with current market rates to ensure profitability, we have secured long-term contracts for space rental, providing a stable source of income and we are currently negotiating partnerships to procure essential equipment, which will enhance the Dry Port's capacity and efficiency,” said the Officer.

The Zimbabwe Dry Port in Namibia is a game changer that has provided a strategic and lesser expensive way to access the Atlantic Ocean for Zimbabweans as they do business with international companies. Its continued viability will help promote viable businesses in Zimbabwe.