Namibia is seeking to strengthen trade ties with the United States by positioning Philadelphia as a key entry point for its exports.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the Port of Walvis Bay and the Port of Philadelphia could be linked through direct maritime routes, creating a corridor between Africa and North America.
She said the move would reduce shipping costs, cut transit times, and improve supply chain resilience.
“By exploring direct maritime routes between our ports, we can unlock trade corridors that reduce transit times, lower shipping costs, and create a more efficient flow of goods between Africa and North America,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
She described Walvis Bay as one of Africa’s most advanced deep-water ports serving the Southern African Development Community, while Philadelphia’s expanding capacity and proximity to major U.S. markets make it a strategic hub for Namibian exports.
The President also highlighted Philadelphia’s Wholesale Produce Market, one of the largest distribution centres in the U.S., as a potential gateway for Namibian agricultural products.
“Namibia’s agricultural exports can find a strategic entry point through Philadelphia’s world-class facilities,” she said, pointing to grapes, dates, beef, fish, and salt as key exports, aided by the country’s counter-seasonal production.
Nandi-Ndaitwah further proposed direct air connections between Hosea Kutako International Airport and Philadelphia.
“Establishing direct passenger and cargo routes to a city like Philadelphia would foster greater tourism, facilitate business exchanges, and enhance the movement of high-value goods,” she said.
She added that opportunities in ports, aviation, and agriculture align with the strategic priorities of both countries, including economic growth, food security, and people-to-people exchange.
To deepen cooperation, she suggested exploring a sister-city partnership.
“Let this occasion mark the beginning of a more structured and dynamic partnership between Namibia and the City of Philadelphia,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
