Manuel Nazareth Neto, Chairman of the Port of Namibe – «By 2027, the goal is for the Port of Namibe to be recognised […] for its operational efficiency, capacity and sustainability.»

Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the emerging transport corridors of Southern Africa, the Port of Namibe is undergoing a transformation and is set to play a central role in regional economic integration. Founded on the modernization of the Bay of Moçâmedes and a vision focused on efficiency and sustainability, it serves as a crossroads for trade, industry and new logistics dynamics that are helping to redraw the map of southern Africa.

The Port of Namibe now boasts unique conditions in southern Angola. What role does it hope to play in reshaping the logistics landscape of Southern Africa?
The Port of Namibe has a number of significant competitive advantages, notably its geostrategic location, its proximity to major mining areas and a recently modernised infrastructure, particularly the New Pier at the Saco Mar Mining Terminal and the New Container Terminal. Our goal is to establish the Port of Namibe as a key logistics hub for Southern Africa, serving not only southern Angola but also inland countries such as northern Namibia, Botswana and, potentially, Zambia, via the Namibe Corridor. Our intention is to establish ourselves as an efficient and competitive alternative to the region’s traditional ports, thereby contributing to the diversification of routes and the reduction of logistics costs. More than just a transit point for goods, we seek to play an active role in reshaping regional supply chains, encouraging greater economic integration and facilitating intra-African trade.

How can the investments made in the Bay of Moçâmedes be transformed into sustainable economic value?
The investments made form a solid foundation, but the challenge lies in their strategic capitalisation. Our work is based on three key areas: attracting major cargo and new shipping routes, consolidating regular flows in sectors such as mining, fuels, containers and general cargo; public-private partnerships, which are vital for attracting international operators and investors who bring know-how and dynamism; and sustainability combined with local value, promoting skilled employment, local value chains and ensuring an environmental balance. The goal is to transform the infrastructure into productive hubs that contribute to GDP, economic diversification and the preservation of the marine environment.

«Our intention is to establish ourselves as an efficient and competitive alternative to the region’s traditional ports [...]»

How can the Port of Namibe integrate industry, mining, logistics and tourism?
The future of ports lies in integration, and this is the vision currently being implemented. The Port of Namibe is well positioned to establish itself as a multifunctional hub. With regard to industry, it has adjacent areas with the potential for industrial parks or Special Economic Zones, thereby encouraging local processing. On the mining front, its proximity to projects in southern Angola and neighbouring countries reinforces its role as an export gateway for iron ore and ornamental stone. Logistically, investments in intermodal transport, with road and rail links, strengthen the Namibe Corridor. In tourism, the Bay of Moçâmedes offers significant potential for cruises and marine tourism, alongside port activities, thereby boosting the regional economy. The goal is to create an integrated ecosystem where sectors complement each other and increase global competitiveness.

What legacy do you aim to leave by 2027?
By 2027, the aim is for the Port of Namibe to be recognised not only for its infrastructure, but also for its operational efficiency, capacity and sustainability. To this end, the certification process to obtain ISO standards has been underway since January 2026. The legacy is based on four cornerstones: regional recognition as a competitive logistics hub; efficient and digitalised operations, in line with international standards; integration into the logistics corridors of Southern Africa, via the Namibe Corridor; and a tangible socio-economic impact in the provinces of Namibe, Huíla, Cuando Cubango and Cunene. More than just figures, the goal is to consolidate the Port of Namibe as a driver of sustainable development and a means of asserting Angola’s position within the African and global context.

«The investments made form a solid foundation, but the challenge lies in their strategic capitalisation»

Text: Editorial team 
Photos: Rights reserved