THE FULL PACKAGE
THE FULL PACKAGE
Dirk S. van Doorn, Managing Director of DHL Namibia, discusses the company’s wellestablished presence in Namibia as a firstchoice logistics partner, its ongoing support for the mining and oil and gas industries, and aspirations for sustainable expansion
Writer: Lily Sawyer
Established as a key player in Namibia’s logistics and courier industry over 35 years ago, DHL Namibia boasts a proud history.
Initially expanding into the Namibian market as part of DHL’s global strategy to provide efficient and reliable express delivery services around the world, the move aimed to meet growing logistical needs across Africa’s various sectors, ranging from mining, fishing, and agriculture to government services.
More recently, DHL Namibia has expanded into oil and gas logistics services, as well as green hydrogen, which have the potential to become significant contributors to the country’s economy.
“DHL Namibia’s journey over the past 35 years reflects its commitment to serving the nation’s logistical needs while continually evolving to meet new market demands, making it a cornerstone of Namibia’s logistics infrastructure,” opens Dirk S. van Doorn, Managing Director.
Headquartered in Windhoek with a key port city location in Walvis Bay, two agents in Lüderitz and Swakopmund, and 16 retail partners across the country, the company offers a wide range of express logistics solutions supported by a robust network of 110 direct and indirect staff members.
As such, DHL Namibia plays a pivotal role in connecting the nation’s business individuals to global markets whilst ensuring reliable and fast delivery services across Namibia.
A TRANSPARENT SUPPLY CHAIN
One of the country’s leading logistics providers, DHL Namibia has been instrumental in providing businessto-business (B2B) transport services between key sectors, including
FOUNDING PRINCIPLES OF DHL NAMIBIA
• EFFICIENCY AND SPEED: A core principle for DHL, both globally and in Namibia, has been ensuring fast and reliable delivery services. This aligns with the entire company’s global reputation for express service. DHL Namibia was also the first delivery organisation in the country to introduce its own dedicated airfreight service, operating five days a week with two rotations from Windhoek to Johannesburg, connecting Namibia to the rest of DHL’s global network.
• GLOBAL CONNECTIVITY: From the outset, DHL Namibia’s services sought to connect the country to the rest of the world. As a developing nation with a growing economy, Namibia required access to international markets. This is where DHL Namibia came in, providing the infrastructure to connect local industries, such as mining, with international partners.
• CUSTOMER-CENTRIC APPROACH: DHL Namibia has always emphasised delivering a first-class service to its customers by understanding their unique needs, from individuals to large corporations. Its operations are built around customer convenience and accessibility, allowing businesses to focus on their core activities without worrying about logistics.
• INNOVATION IN LOGISTICS: DHL Namibia’s operational model is built on adopting forward-thinking practices to meet evolving market demands. Over the decades, the company has incorporated technology-driven solutions within its operations to enhance product tracking, shipment management, and overall transparency.
• SUSTAINABILITY AND CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY: As part of its global mission, DHL Namibia has increased its focus on reducing its environmental footprint by improving operational efficiencies and utilising cleaner technologies that form part of a strategy to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
mining, agriculture, manufacturing, retail, oil and gas, and green hydrogen.
Offering everything from customised express freight services to supply chain optimisation, the company not only handles the movement of large equipment and regular supply shipments but manages warehousing, inventory, distribution, and last-mile delivery as part of its B2B offering.
For businesses involved in overseas trade or international partnerships, DHL Namibia also provides crossborder and international end-to-end logistics solutions, including guidance
on customs clearance and regulatory compliance.
To substantiate its reliability and provide B2B customers with full transparency, the company offers various monitoring and supply chain management solutions.
“Our integrated, advanced tracking and shipment management systems allow our clients to monitor their goods in real-time,” van Doorn details.
To complement this, a My DHL+ solution enables customers to manage several aspects of their supply chain themselves through the use of DHL proprietary software.
SUPPORTING THE COUNTRY’S CRITICAL SECTORS
Responsible for a substantial 14 percent of Namibia’s GDP, the country’s mining sector is a key driver of the economy – and one in which DHL Namibia plays a crucial role.
For instance, when it comes to the transportation of large, heavy, and sensitive mining machinery or the supply of essential materials, DHL Namibia offers extensive road and air freight services alongside end-to-end logistics solutions.
“Supplemented by the company’s worldwide connectivity, we often
partner with international mining suppliers and contractors who are able to import specialised equipment from global markets efficiently,” van Doorn elaborates.
Furthermore, DHL Namibia assists mining companies in navigating the often complex regulatory and customs requirements for importing and exporting goods. Such requirements are especially important in the mining industry, which often deals with shipments that must meet stringent regulations.
“DHL Namibia’s close relationship with the mining industry showcases
SUPPLY CHAIN OUTLOOK:
How important are accolades and awards to DHL Namibia in recognising its corporate social responsibility practices?
DIRK S. VAN DOORN, MANAGING DIRECTOR: “DHL Namibia’s certified recognition as a ‘Great Place to Work in 2024’, along with being named as a ‘Top Employer in Namibia, 2024’, underscores the company’s commitment to creating a positive workplace culture and highlights its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts.
“Being the only business in Namibia to achieve both accolades is a significant milestone, reflecting the impact of DHL Namibia’s employee-centred initiatives and its broader commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
“Last month, this recognition was amplified when the Employment Equity Commission of Namibia awarded DHL Namibia with an A-grade certification. It’s a rare feat to be awarded all these recognitions simultaneously, acclaims van Doorn.”
He goes on to point out the importance of the awards in terms of recognising employee well-being and validating the company’s CSR practices.
“These awards are a testament to DHL Namibia’s commitment to not only driving business success but also creating a positive societal impact through ethical, responsible, and people-centric practices,” he adds.
its ability to support the country’s critical sectors with tailored, reliable, and high-capacity logistics solutions,” he affirms.
TRANSPORTATION TO SUPPORT EXPLORATION
Over the last 18 months, DHL has played a key role in supporting oil exploration projects off the coast of Namibia, transporting specialised exploration equipment to the necessary sites.
“These oil discovery projects, particularly those in offshore regions such as the Orange Basin, have been a major focus for us due to the nation’s increasing prominence as a potential oil and gas producer,” van Doorn outlines.
Key aspects of DHL Namibia’s involvement include the transportation of heavy exploration equipment, such as seismic survey tools, drilling machinery, and underwater inspection devices, alongside coordination with DHL’s international network, which spans 220 countries and territories, to secure supplies and equipment.
“This includes managing customs clearance and regulatory requirements to ensure the smooth importation of the necessary equipment,” he points out.
Not only is DHL Namibia involved in the initial transportation stages of these projects, but it also provides day-to-day support for oil exploration operations, including transporting spare parts and geological samples to offshore rigs, always ensuring operations run seamlessly.
Meanwhile, given the environmental sensitivities surrounding offshore oil exploration, the company complies with local environmental regulations so that its transportation processes fall in line with international environmental health and safety standards.
“We support exploration efforts
while adhering to strict sustainability protocols to minimise environmental impact,” van Doorn explains.
Through its involvement in oil discovery projects, DHL Namibia has demonstrated its ability to handle complex logistics operations in highstakes industries, moving critical equipment efficiently and reliably to advance the country’s burgeoning oil and gas exploration efforts.
IN IT FOR THE LONG-HAUL
Driven by a growing demand for cross-border trade and the transportation of goods between South Africa (SA) and Namibia, DHL Namibia has noted a significant increase in road haulage between the two nations.
Given that SA is Namibia’s largest trading partner, the upsurge in road freight reflects broader economic activity in sectors such as manufacturing, retail, mining, and agriculture.
“Another factor contributing to increased road freight has been as a result of the Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport acting as a key aviation gateway for Southern Africa,” van Doorn highlights.
This increase has led to the
“DHL NAMIBIA’S JOURNEY OVER THE PAST 35 YEARS REFLECTS ITS COMMITMENT TO SERVING THE NATION’S LOGISTICAL NEEDS WHILE CONTINUALLY EVOLVING TO MEET NEW MARKET DEMANDS, MAKING IT A CORNERSTONE
OF NAMIBIA’S LOGISTICS INFRASTRUCTURE”
– DIRK S. VAN DOORN, MANAGING DIRECTOR, DHL NAMIBIA
company transporting larger volumes of goods between the two nations, including finished goods and critical supplies, bolstering Namibia’s key industries, which rely heavily on imports from SA.
On top of this, more frequent road transport services, additional direct routes, and optimised scheduling have allowed DHL Namibia to reduce delivery times for its clients in both nations.
However, the surge in road haulage has also increased the company’s workload in terms of volume, operational demands, and customs management. To account for this, DHL Namibia has contracted a larger fleet of trucks through its accredited provider and enhanced its logistics infrastructure to handle more shipments daily.
Overall, increased trade between Namibia and SA, supplemented by the company’s expert logistics solutions, has positively impacted both countries’ economies, facilitating smoother trade and helping local businesses to expand their market reach.
“DHL Namibia’s role in this process has reinforced its position as a critical logistics partner for many Namibian
businesses,” van Doorn prides.
Strengthening cross-border relations and enabling the company to better serve key industries, this expansion positions DHL Namibia as a crucial integrator in the region.
A CONNECTED AND SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Committed to the growth of the nation’s economy, DHL Namibia continues to invest in resources to ensure it is ready and able to serve key industries such as mining, agriculture, retail, and oil and gas.
For example, with plans in place to open additional branches and logistics hubs in underserved areas of Namibia, the company hopes to establish a stronger national presence, especially in remote locations where industries like mining and agriculture are expanding.
“By establishing a stronger presence in regions across the northern and southern parts of Namibia, we aim to improve access to our logistics services for both businesses and individuals with a focus on small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs),” van Doorn confirms.
Meanwhile, DHL Namibia also seeks
“DHL
NAMIBIA’S CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE MINING INDUSTRY SHOWCASES ITS ABILITY TO SUPPORT THE COUNTRY’S CRITICAL SECTORS WITH TAILORED, RELIABLE, AND HIGH-CAPACITY LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS”
– DIRK S.
VAN DOORN, MANAGING DIRECTOR, DHL NAMIBIA
A RESPONSIBLE, COMMUNITY-ORIENTED EMPLOYER
DHL Namibia continues to strive for perfection across every facet of the company to be a responsible, community-oriented, and accountable employer. This includes:
• Implementing employee-centric programmes
o Training and development, including opportunities for skills growth, leadership training, professional courses, and mentorship programmes
o Diversity and inclusion programmes that seek to provide equal opportunities for women in a historically male-dominated sector.
o Work-life balance and employee wellness, including flexible working arrangements and welfare programmes
• Improving environmental sustainability
o GoGreen programme
o Recycling and waste management
• Community engagement and support
o Education and skills development
o Charitable contributions and volunteering
• Robust health and safety initiatives
o Regular safety training and audits
o Compliance with international health and safety standards
“By prioritising its employees, community, and the environment, DHL Namibia continues to set an example of how businesses can balance profitability with corporate responsibility,” van Doorn prides.
to enhance its rural connectivity to ensure faster and more reliable delivery services across its South African trade routes, expanding its presence along key trade corridors and connecting Namibia to SA, Botswana, Angola, and Zambia.
With intentions to further develop operations along its Walvis Bay corridor, a major trade route connecting Namibia to the rest of Southern Africa, the company leverages the strategic location as a potential hub for oil and gas support.
Elsewhere, DHL Namibia’s ongoing investment in digital infrastructure and e-commerce logistics services, such as warehousing, fulfilment, and last-mile delivery, will support the booming online retail sector alongside improving service delivery, customer experience, and operational efficiency.
Finally, the company’s continued expansion will see it invest in sustainable infrastructure such as eco-friendly, energy-efficient warehouses, whilst its global GoGreen programme seeks to increase the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and become the market leader.
Meanwhile, DHL Namibia continues to use electric and fuel-efficient vehicles, invest in renewable energy, and implement carbon-neutral shipping options.
“We seek to widely integrate sustainability into our supply chain operations, promoting greener logistics practices across the board,” van Doorn concludes.
DHL NAMIBIA
Tel: +264 61 204 0800
www.dhl.com/na-en/