from ALFRED SHILONGO in Windhoek, Namibia
Namibia Bureau
WINDHOEK, (CAJ News) – NAMIBIA has proposed establishing direct maritime and air links with the United States, with Philadelphia positioned as a central partner.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah made the proposal while receiving official honours from the Philadelphia City Council.
Council President Kenyatta Johnson presented her with a Council Citation, one of the city’s highest honours, in recognition of her leadership and commitment to global cooperation.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia saw major potential in strengthening maritime connectivity between the Port of Philadelphia and the Port of Walvis Bay.
She noted that direct routes could unlock new trade corridors, reduce transit times, lower shipping costs and streamline the flow of goods between Africa and North America.
“This vision is not only commercially viable, it is strategically necessary in a world that increasingly values diversified and resilient supply chains,” she said.
Walvis Bay, one of Africa’s most advanced deep-water ports, serves as a strategic hub for Southern Africa and a gateway for SADC landlocked states.
Philadelphia’s expanding port capacity and location on the US East Coast, near major population centres, make it an ideal partner for transatlantic trade.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also advocated for direct air connections between Namibia and the US, with Philadelphia as a potential gateway.
She said Hosea Kutako International Airport, Namibia’s main hub, was well-positioned to host direct flights that would boost tourism, business exchanges and high-value trade.
“We invite stakeholders in the aviation and logistics sectors to consider the commercial and diplomatic benefits of such a direct connection,” she said.
– CAJ News