Namibian President Warns of Climate Threats to Walvis Bay Infrastructure and Economy

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah warned that rising sea levels constitute a growing threat to Namibia’s coastal infrastructure and marine economy, particularly at the strategic Walvis Bay harbour. Speaking at a high-level plenary meeting in New York, she stated that the harbour, which sits one to three metres above mean sea level, is increasingly exposed to climate-related risks. These risks include rising ocean temperatures, changing ocean chemistry, and declining marine productivity, which threaten the sustainability of the fisheries sector.

The marine ecosystem supported by the Benguela Current contributes to Namibia’s gross domestic product, food security, and foreign exchange. The President called for substantial investment in coastal protection and climate-resilient infrastructure to safeguard trade and investment in the region.