Developing Infrastructure for Trade Hon. Dr. SC Ankama Deputy Minister: Works & Transport Republic of Namibia At the occasion of the 2nd Africa Trade Forum 2018/11/13

Introduction Occasion to cross-fertilize ideas and best practices for continental growth and development To share into the larger continental dream of prioritizing infrastructure development Craft how transport sector can unlock and facilitate economic growth and development 2018/11/13

Rationale High transportation costs Inefficient transport systems We are confronted by: High transportation costs Inefficient transport systems Policy challenges Lack of human resources Inadequate financial resources Limited investment in infrastructure & maintenance Poor access-international markets 2018/11/13

Planning & Financing of infrastructure In most effort Plan jointly Finance jointly Engage ppp Develop common rules Create adaptable procedures and standards 2018/11/13

Challenges Remote planning & isolationism Infrastructure duplication Lack of effective utility of infrastructure Neighbour to neighbour opposite planning Lack of expertise Absence of proper continental (even regional) planning 2018/11/13

Benefits from proper infrastructure development Socio-economic boost Enhancement of intra-trade Transport costs reduction Commodities costs reduction for the end-user Adding value to local, regional and continental products 2018/11/13

Benefits cont... Transit-transport arrangements improve Increased revenue collection Deeper regional economic integration, Reduced cost of doing business Attracting foreign direct investment 2018/11/13

Examples of cooperative strategy Namibia and Botswana on the development of the Trans Kalahari Railway line Botswana and Zambia on the construction of the Kazungula Bridge across the Zambezi River Namibia’s investment in the Port of Walvis Bay - Atlantic West Coast of Africa with a view to providing an alternative gateway into and out of Southern Africa 2018/11/13

The way forward One Stop Border Post approach We must aim to accelerate ideals of: One Stop Border Post approach Systems Connectivity and Electronic Data Interchange Risk Management Policy Frameworks, Accreditation of Economic Operators/Preferred Trader Scheme, Single Window and Integrated Border Management 2018/11/13

The way forward cont... I urge us all to rise to the occasion and take advantage of global economic opportunities in the light of Public Private Partnership Let us harness our political will, unity of purpose, and commitment for a better Africa. Thank you! 2018/11/13