Namibia is calling for greater focus on implementing maritime and blue economy policies, as the country seeks to strengthen the economic and social contribution of its ocean resources and position its ports as gateways for regional trade.
Speaking at the opening of Walvis Bay Maritime Week 2026, Minister of Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi said policy frameworks needed to be translated into practical outcomes, including investment in maritime infrastructure, stronger environmental protection and expanded opportunities for skills development.
The event is taking place under the International Maritime Organization’s 2026–27 World Maritime Day theme, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence”, which places implementation, capacity-building and effective enforcement at the centre of international maritime policy. (International Maritime Organization)
Nekundi identified sustainable maritime infrastructure, environmental stewardship and human-capital development as priorities for Namibia. He said the country’s maritime ambitions would require investment that improves infrastructure while strengthening safety and protecting coastal and marine ecosystems.
Walvis Bay occupies a significant position within Namibia’s transport network and has wider importance for Southern African trade. Namibia’s draft Sustainable Blue Economy Policy identifies Walvis Bay and Lüderitz as strategic gateways for Namibia, the Southern African Development Community and international markets. It also notes that expanding maritime activity brings economic opportunities alongside risks, including pollution, maritime accidents and pressures on marine ecosystems. (FMR)
The emphasis on implementation also reflects challenges recognised internationally. The IMO says its first audit cycle under the mandatory Member State Audit Scheme found continuing gaps in national legislation, technical capacity, infrastructure and enforcement in a number of countries. (International Maritime Organization)
Education and workforce development formed another part of the Walvis Bay programme. Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture Dino Ballotti called for maritime and economic policies to be connected to tangible educational and career opportunities for young Namibians. Namibia’s Parliament confirms Ballotti’s current deputy-ministerial portfolio. (Parliament Namibia)
Maritime Week was established by the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) in 2022 to increase public awareness of the country’s maritime value chain and encourage young people to consider careers in the sector. The 2024 programme attracted more than 3,000 visitors, including students from all 14 regions, while more than 2,200 participants joined guided port tours.
Namibia’s broader blue economy agenda extends beyond shipping. Government planning includes marine spatial planning, fisheries, aquaculture, tourism and other ocean-based activities, with an emphasis on coordinating competing uses of marine space while balancing economic development and environmental protection.
For Namibia and its Southern African neighbours, the policy challenge is therefore not simply expanding maritime activity, but ensuring that ports, coastal communities, workers and marine ecosystems share in the value created by growing regional and international connectivity.
