Looking back: A short history of Namibia’s rail network

The development of Namibia’s rail network is deeply intertwined with its colonial history and economic growth. Spanning over a century, the railway has evolved from a tool of colonial extraction to a key driver of trade, industry, and regional connectivity.Namibia’s railway history began during the German colonial period (1884–1915). In 1897, the first railway line was constructed between Swakopmund and Windhoek, a distance of approximately 382 km. Built to facilitate the transport of goods and troops, the railway was a narrow-gauge line (600 mm) designed to connect Swakopmund to the interior.The Germans expanded the network further to serve the mining sector, particularly in the Otavi Triangle. The Otavi Railway (Otavibahn), completed in 1906, connected Swakopmund to Tsumeb via Otavi and was notable for its use of the narrow-gauge system. The line was vit in exporting copper and other minerals to Germany.Another significant development during this period was the construction of the Lüderitz Railway, linking Lüderitz to Keetmanshoop. This line aimed to support diamond mining operations in southern Namibia.South African AdministrationFollowing World War I, Namibia fell under South African administration, marking a shift in railway development. The South African authorities converted much of the German narrow-gauge network to the Cape gauge (1,067 mm), standardising it with the broader Southern African rail system. This conversion improved efficiency and allowed for greater interoperability with neighbouring countries’ rail networks.The South Africans also expanded the railway, linking Windhoek to Gobabis in the east and extending the network southward to connect with South Africa’s rail system. The completion of the Keetmanshoop-Upington line established a critical trade route between Namibia and South Africa, boosting economic activity and regional integration.Post-IndependenceAfter Namibia gained independence in 1990, the state-owned TransNamib assumed rail network control. The focus shifted from colonial-era extraction to supporting national development and regional trade.While the network remained a vital transportation asset, it faced challenges, including ageing infrastructure, inadequate maintenance, and limited coverage. Despite these obstacles, the government prioritised rehabilitation projects and regional connectivity.One major project was the rehabilitation of the northern railway extension, connecting Tsumeb to Oshikango on the Angolan border. Completed in the early 2000s, this line aimed to facilitate trade between Namibia and Angola.Efforts to modernise the system, including projects like the Trans-Kalahari Railway, aim to strengthen Namibia’s position as a logistics hub in Southern Africa.

Looking back: A short history of Namibia’s rail network

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-24

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Looking back: A short history of Namibia’s rail network

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-24

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