Why it Matters
Windhoek’s rapid population growth is placing increasing pressure on the city’s existing transport infrastructure, making integrated public transport a strategic urban priority rather than a standalone mobility issue. The proposed commuter rail link between Windhoek, Katutura and Rehoboth signals a shift towards corridor-based planning, improved accessibility and more structured metropolitan transport development.
By positioning rail alongside bus services, non-motorised transport and transit-oriented development, the strategy links mobility directly to inclusion, resilience and economic connectivity. Its success will depend on sustained coordination between the city, national government, development partners and private-sector participants.
Namibia’s capital city, City of Windhoek, has identified commuter rail, integrated public transport and sustainable urban mobility as key pillars of its 10-year smart city strategy, with plans to work alongside the national government and development partners to modernise the capital’s transport network.
Known as People-Centred Smart City Strategy 2026–2036, the plan is aimed at improving mobility and would be central to the city’s transformation into a more inclusive, resilient and digitally connected urban centre, according to Windhoek Mayor Sakarias Uunona.
The 2023 census showed that Windhoek has a population of over 486,000 people, an increase of almost 50% since 2011. This rapid expansion has heavily strained existing transport infrastructure and increased travel times into the city.
Among the flagship transport initiatives outlined in the strategy is the proposed introduction of commuter rail services linking Windhoek, the township of Katutura and Rehoboth, situated south of the city. The Ministry of Works and Transport has estimated that the project cost N$2.8 billion.
Last year, the ministry undertook a feasibility study of commuter rails to assess if there are potential market players who are willing to develop and operate such transport services under the Public-Private Partnership format.
The rail network is envisaged to operate as part of an integrated public transport system, complemented by bus services, non-motorised transport infrastructure and transit-oriented development to improve connectivity and accessibility across the metropolitan area.
The city is collaborating with the national government and development partners to modernise public transport and improve urban mobility.
Transport projects form part of a broader vision to create a city that is physically, digitally, socially and economically connected rather than implementing standalone infrastructure projects.
The strategy was developed in partnership with UN-Habitat and provides a framework for improving urban management through technology, innovation and integrated planning, with transport identified as one of the key pillars supporting the city’s future growth.
The city had already begun implementing projects aimed at transforming urban mobility and creating a more connected, efficient and sustainable transport system, revealed City of Windhoek Chief Executive Officer Moses Matyayi.
According to Matyayi, rapid urbanisation, increasing demand for public services, climate change, technological advances, infrastructure pressures and economic transformation require cities to adopt innovative approaches to planning and governance.
For the transport sector, the strategy places emphasis on improving mobility through better integration of transport systems, encouraging walking and cycling infrastructure, and promoting development around public transport corridors to create more accessible and sustainable urban communities.
Matyayi said successful implementation would depend on sustained collaboration, investment and partnerships between government, development agencies, the private sector, academia, civil society and residents.
Written by Chamwe Kaira for Railways Africa
