Copper theft redirects trade to Walvis Bay

An increasing number of exporters are no longer using corridors to Durban and Dar es Salaam.

By Leon Louw founder of WhyAfrica and Endorphin Expeditions   

During the recent WhyAfrica Business Trip to Zambia we spoke a lot about logistics, ports, road and rail developments and transport corridors in the region.

Many of the large exporters of copper in Zambia and the DRC are now transporting their products to Walvis Bay in Namibia.

Historically, copper was transported by road or rail to Durban in South Africa or Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.

Security concerns drive change

According to several mining operators that I spoke to this has changed over the last few years. This is mostly because of security concerns.

The routes to South Africa and Tanzania are experiencing increased truck hijackings. High valued copper trucks are prime targets.

Each incident means a delay, higher insurance premiums and the need for additional protective measures.

Trains, it turns out, are not immune to the same criminal pressures.

Walvis is the least congested

The route to Walvis Bay in Namibia is not the shortest or cheapest though. But it currently has the least security issues.

For bulk commodities Walvis Bay provides one of the least congested paths to European and American markets. Turn-around times at Walvis Bay is reportedly impressive.

Walvis Bay is a deep-water harbour protected by a natural bay. It has 13 commercial berths. A new container terminal features a quay wall of about 600m long and water depths of up to 16m.

Handling times are competitive, with container vessels often turned around within 24 to 48 hours, a key advantage for mining exporters operating on tight logistics schedules.

Expanding network of trade corridors

Walvis Bay is also supported by an expanding network of regional trade corridors.

The port is operated by Terminal Investments Namibia (TIN) who secured a 25-year concession in 2024.

To read more about logistics, ports and infrastructure in Africa, visit the WhyAfrica website, your one stop-shop for on the ground information and business intelligence about Africa.

If your company is expanding or you want to invest in Africa and need on the ground intelligence and context about the African continent, contact me directly.

If you would like to join us and drive these transport corridors yourself, please give our sister company tour operator Endorphin Expeditions a call.

Image: The port of Walvis Bay a few years ago. Image credit: Leon Louw for WhyAfrica

Copper theft redirects trade to Walvis Bay