The Namibian government is significantly increasing funding for the provision and upgrading of the national railway network over the medium term, as part of efforts to modernise transport infrastructure and support socio-economic development.
The plans are contained in the medium-term expenditure framework for the 2026/2027-2028/2029 financial years released by the Ministry of Finance.
The objective of the plans is to ensure the development of modern, safe and reliable railway infrastructure. The programme focuses on planning, constructing, upgrading and maintaining rail infrastructure to create a safe and efficient national railway system.
Among the key achievements recorded in the 2024/2025 financial year is the completion of the upgrading of the Walvis Bay–Kranzberg railway line, including the fuel line to an 18.5-ton axle load. The project has now entered its defects liability period.
Progress has also been made in the south of the country, with 50% of earthworks for the Sandverhaar railway project in the ||Karas Region completed during the 2024/2025 financial year.
In addition, procurement of rails for Lot 1 of the Kranzberg–Tsumeb railway maintenance and partial upgrade project has been finalised and awarded. Construction of the Oshakati Railway Station, including the installation of CCTV systems, has also been fully completed.
Railway development total allocation for the programme rises from N$359.41 million in 2024/2025 to a projected N$1.08 billion in 2028/2029, reflecting government’s prioritisation of rail infrastructure as a key driver of economic activity.
The ministry has set ambitious targets for upgrading, maintaining and constructing railway lines over the coming years. The number of kilometres of railway network upgraded is targeted to increase from 670 km in 2025/2026 to 1,000 km in 2026/2027, 1,280 km in 2027/2028 and 1,360 km in 2028/2029.
Railway maintenance targets are also set to expand significantly, from 1,000 km in 2025/2026 to 1,600 km in 2026/2027, 1,900 km in 2027/2028 and 2,600 km in 2028/2029.
In terms of new railway construction, completion rates are projected to rise progressively from 40% in 2025/2026 to 45% in 2026/2027, 50% in 2027/2028 and 55% in 2028/2029.
Similarly, the completion rate of the Railway Master Plan is projected to increase from 20% in 2025/2026 to 28% in 2026/2027, 66% in 2027/2028 and 74% in 2028/2029.
The programme includes the refurbishment and modernisation of existing rolling stock. Two locomotives and wagons were modernised in 2024/2025, with 12 scheduled for refurbishment in both 2026/2027 and 2027/2028.
Written by Chamwe Kaira for Railways Africa
