Namibia continues to boast the best roads in Africa
Thousands of kilometres access all corners of the country
The country can be proud of maintaining the lead in terms of national road networks.
Namibia is still recognised for having the best quality road infrastructure in Africa, according to a 2024 survey by global data platform Statista.
The Roads Authority (RA) announced that Namibia achieved an impressive index rating of 5.57 out of 7, securing the top spot on the continent. Egypt and Benin followed closely with scores of 5.53 and 5.00, respectively.
This recognition underscores Namibia's commitment to road infrastructure excellence. The RA attributes this achievement to years of dedicated work in constructing, maintaining, and innovating road transport infrastructure across the country.
Speaking about this accolade, RA chief executive Dr Conrad Lutombi, said that Namibia has remarkably improved road quality, safety and accessibility. “Our roads now set a standard for design and sustainability, supporting the safe and efficient movement of people, goods and services nationwide.”
Continued investment
Despite the success, Lutombi emphasised the need for continued investment to sustain Namibia’s top ranking, cautioning that a lack of funding could jeopardise future socio-economic growth. He also appealed to the public to help protect Namibia's road infrastructure, highlighting ongoing issues with littering, vandalism and unauthorised constructions within road reserves.
Lutombi thanked the government, the Road Fund Administration, municipalities and road users for their roles in achieving this milestone. “Together, we can ensure that our road network remains safe, reliable, and durable for generations to come,” he said.
This accolade follows Namibia’s recognition in the 2023 World Economic Forum (WEF) ratings, where the country scored 5.2 out of 7, affirming its reputation for top-quality road infrastructure on the continent.
Previously Namibia has been ranked as having the best road infrastructure in Africa at least six consecutive times, starting from 2016 through 2021, as per the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report.
Responsibilities
The RA is responsible for maintaining the national road network, encompassing surfaced and unsurfaced roads. Road maintenance is carried out through routine and periodic maintenance programmes, including routine blading of roads; periodic gravelling of roads; periodic clearing and forming of new proclaimed routes and existing tracks; routine maintenance of bituminous roads including pothole patching; periodic reseals and rejuvenation of bitumen roads; intermediate sealing of gravel roads; light rehabilitation of roads that carry heavy volumes of traffic; road signage, supply and erection; concrete and steel works for repair and additional drainage structures; additional road reserve maintenance, cleaning of rest places and road reserve, mowing of grass and bush clearing; sand removal from road surfaces especially in Lüderitz, Walvis Bay; salt road maintenance along the coast, and smaller works to improve safety and capacity of certain road sections.
The goal of maintenance is to preserve the asset as long as possible to the standard it was after initial construction. Road maintenance encompasses activities such as maintaining the pavement, shoulders, slopes, signage, drainage facilities, and all other structures within the road reserve as close as possible to their as-constructed or rehabilitated condition. This includes minor repairs and improvements to eliminate the cause of defects as completely as possible and thus avoid excessive repetition of the same maintenance activity.
The RA has adopted a road maintenance strategy that has helped keep our roads in good condition. Namibia’s success can be attributed to two critical factors, namely an effective maintenance strategy on existing road infrastructure, which plays a pivotal role in prolonging life span, and the upgrading and construction of new roads, which contribute significantly to the quality of national roads.
Recent Projects
Low-Volume Seal Projects
Several projects were initiated to upgrade gravel roads to low-volume seal standards as part of the RA Low-Volume Seal strategy. Completed and ongoing upgrades to low-volume seal projects include:
• D3546, D3547, & D3575: Impalila Access Roads (Zambezi Region):
The district roads on Impalila Island were completed in April 2024. Upgrading 25 km of gravel roads to a low-volume seal standard started in 2022.
• D3633: Tsandi—Ongulumbashe (Omusati Region):
The 22 km road is to be upgraded in two phases. Phase 1, which spans 14 km, was completed in March 2024. Meanwhile, Phase 2, covering the remaining 8 km towards Ongulumbashe, is currently ongoing and progressing well.
• D3645: Engoyi—Omuntele (Oshikoto Region):
Construction began in October 2023 and is scheduled for completion in early 2025. A 16 km gravel road is being upgraded to a low-volume seal standard, and most of the work (layer work and drainage) has already been completed.
• D3605: Ondangwa—Uukwiyushona (Oshana and Oshikot regions): Upgrading to a low-volume standard for the 15km district road began in May 2024 and is planned for completion in March 2025.
• M0119: Gobabis—Talismanus (Omaheke Region):
The first 6 km of the main road are being upgraded to a low-volume seal standard. Construction began in August 2024, and the upgrading is envisaged for completion in March 2025.
• John Mutorwa Street (Rundu, Kavango East Region):
The road spanning 1.6 km from T1002 (B10) through AMTA to the western side of Rundu town. Construction started in March 2024 and completed in September 2024.
Rehabilitation projects
Several major bitumen roads with high traffic were planned for rehabilitation and have been carried out over the past years.
• Light rehabilitation of 62.6 km on T0203 (Karibib—Omaruru), comprising the construction of a pedestrian walking bridge in Omaruru, was completed in phases. Rehabilitation works were completed in April 2024.
• Light rehabilitation works of 66.5 km on T0804 (Rundu—Divundu) have been completed in phases as of January 2024, and work is ongoing.
• Light rehabilitation works of 11 km out of 47 km on T1002 (Onhuno—Eenhana) have been completed in phases. A contractor is on-site, and work continues.
• Pavement reconstruction on sections of M0118: Oranjemund – Rosh Pinah began in July 2024. Works are currently underway.
Re-gravelling Projects
To uphold the condition of the national gravel road network, the RA has invested in re-gravelling identified gravel roads across the country. Over the past two years, the RA has re-gravelled over 500 km of gravel roads through the ongoing re-gravelling contracts.
Some of the roads being re-gravelled are D1114 (Gochas); D1043 (Stampriet); M45 (Kalkrand—Hoachanas); M38 (Kalkrand—Maltahohe); D3514: Zilitene—Gunkwe (M0125); D3528: Lizauli—Munakuve & DR3407: TR10/1 —Kakua; D3525:T0806—M125; D3400: Ndonga Linena—Ngcoggco; D3526: TR8/6—Sachinga; M0117 (Okakarara); M0126 (Kamanjab); D3617, D3630, D3653, D3647 & DR3641 (Northern Namibia).
Road Betterment Projects
Thirty-five kilometres of road betterment works have been completed on D3425 (Ncaute—Karukuvisa) and 85 km on D3446 (Charlie Cutline); betterment works shall continue for another 40 km of D3446 (Charlie Cutline).
Capital and Bitumen Standard Roads Completed
• Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba Freeway dual carriageway has been completed, and the road was opened to traffic on 12 November 2024. An official opening ceremony took place in January 2025.
• Windhoek—Okahandja Freeway was officially opened on 1 November 2024
• Rehabilitation of Tses—Gochas Road (Hardap and Karas regions)
• Gobabis—Aranos—Aminius Road (Omaheke Region). This road was upgraded to bitumen standards
Looking ahead
The RA continues with routine maintenance activities as well as periodic maintenance activities such as upgrading of various district roads, including the D3673 (Omuthiya — Amilema – Onanke) and D3645 (Omuntele – Onanke), amongst others, to Low Volume Seal standards.
Periodic maintenance such as the re-gravelling of various gravel roads as per the unsealed road management system, and light rehabilitation of various highly trafficked bitumen roads including the remaining sections of T0804 (Rundu – Divundu) and T1002 (Onhuno – Eenhana), as per pavement management system recommendations, continue.
According to the RA, the overall network also needs a reseal programme to maintain the pavement condition of the bitumen-surfaced road network.
The Roads Authority (RA) announced that Namibia achieved an impressive index rating of 5.57 out of 7, securing the top spot on the continent. Egypt and Benin followed closely with scores of 5.53 and 5.00, respectively.
This recognition underscores Namibia's commitment to road infrastructure excellence. The RA attributes this achievement to years of dedicated work in constructing, maintaining, and innovating road transport infrastructure across the country.
Speaking about this accolade, RA chief executive Dr Conrad Lutombi, said that Namibia has remarkably improved road quality, safety and accessibility. “Our roads now set a standard for design and sustainability, supporting the safe and efficient movement of people, goods and services nationwide.”
Continued investment
Despite the success, Lutombi emphasised the need for continued investment to sustain Namibia’s top ranking, cautioning that a lack of funding could jeopardise future socio-economic growth. He also appealed to the public to help protect Namibia's road infrastructure, highlighting ongoing issues with littering, vandalism and unauthorised constructions within road reserves.
Lutombi thanked the government, the Road Fund Administration, municipalities and road users for their roles in achieving this milestone. “Together, we can ensure that our road network remains safe, reliable, and durable for generations to come,” he said.
This accolade follows Namibia’s recognition in the 2023 World Economic Forum (WEF) ratings, where the country scored 5.2 out of 7, affirming its reputation for top-quality road infrastructure on the continent.
Previously Namibia has been ranked as having the best road infrastructure in Africa at least six consecutive times, starting from 2016 through 2021, as per the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report.
Responsibilities
The RA is responsible for maintaining the national road network, encompassing surfaced and unsurfaced roads. Road maintenance is carried out through routine and periodic maintenance programmes, including routine blading of roads; periodic gravelling of roads; periodic clearing and forming of new proclaimed routes and existing tracks; routine maintenance of bituminous roads including pothole patching; periodic reseals and rejuvenation of bitumen roads; intermediate sealing of gravel roads; light rehabilitation of roads that carry heavy volumes of traffic; road signage, supply and erection; concrete and steel works for repair and additional drainage structures; additional road reserve maintenance, cleaning of rest places and road reserve, mowing of grass and bush clearing; sand removal from road surfaces especially in Lüderitz, Walvis Bay; salt road maintenance along the coast, and smaller works to improve safety and capacity of certain road sections.
The goal of maintenance is to preserve the asset as long as possible to the standard it was after initial construction. Road maintenance encompasses activities such as maintaining the pavement, shoulders, slopes, signage, drainage facilities, and all other structures within the road reserve as close as possible to their as-constructed or rehabilitated condition. This includes minor repairs and improvements to eliminate the cause of defects as completely as possible and thus avoid excessive repetition of the same maintenance activity.
The RA has adopted a road maintenance strategy that has helped keep our roads in good condition. Namibia’s success can be attributed to two critical factors, namely an effective maintenance strategy on existing road infrastructure, which plays a pivotal role in prolonging life span, and the upgrading and construction of new roads, which contribute significantly to the quality of national roads.
Recent Projects
Low-Volume Seal Projects
Several projects were initiated to upgrade gravel roads to low-volume seal standards as part of the RA Low-Volume Seal strategy. Completed and ongoing upgrades to low-volume seal projects include:
• D3546, D3547, & D3575: Impalila Access Roads (Zambezi Region):
The district roads on Impalila Island were completed in April 2024. Upgrading 25 km of gravel roads to a low-volume seal standard started in 2022.
• D3633: Tsandi—Ongulumbashe (Omusati Region):
The 22 km road is to be upgraded in two phases. Phase 1, which spans 14 km, was completed in March 2024. Meanwhile, Phase 2, covering the remaining 8 km towards Ongulumbashe, is currently ongoing and progressing well.
• D3645: Engoyi—Omuntele (Oshikoto Region):
Construction began in October 2023 and is scheduled for completion in early 2025. A 16 km gravel road is being upgraded to a low-volume seal standard, and most of the work (layer work and drainage) has already been completed.
• D3605: Ondangwa—Uukwiyushona (Oshana and Oshikot regions): Upgrading to a low-volume standard for the 15km district road began in May 2024 and is planned for completion in March 2025.
• M0119: Gobabis—Talismanus (Omaheke Region):
The first 6 km of the main road are being upgraded to a low-volume seal standard. Construction began in August 2024, and the upgrading is envisaged for completion in March 2025.
• John Mutorwa Street (Rundu, Kavango East Region):
The road spanning 1.6 km from T1002 (B10) through AMTA to the western side of Rundu town. Construction started in March 2024 and completed in September 2024.
Rehabilitation projects
Several major bitumen roads with high traffic were planned for rehabilitation and have been carried out over the past years.
• Light rehabilitation of 62.6 km on T0203 (Karibib—Omaruru), comprising the construction of a pedestrian walking bridge in Omaruru, was completed in phases. Rehabilitation works were completed in April 2024.
• Light rehabilitation works of 66.5 km on T0804 (Rundu—Divundu) have been completed in phases as of January 2024, and work is ongoing.
• Light rehabilitation works of 11 km out of 47 km on T1002 (Onhuno—Eenhana) have been completed in phases. A contractor is on-site, and work continues.
• Pavement reconstruction on sections of M0118: Oranjemund – Rosh Pinah began in July 2024. Works are currently underway.
Re-gravelling Projects
To uphold the condition of the national gravel road network, the RA has invested in re-gravelling identified gravel roads across the country. Over the past two years, the RA has re-gravelled over 500 km of gravel roads through the ongoing re-gravelling contracts.
Some of the roads being re-gravelled are D1114 (Gochas); D1043 (Stampriet); M45 (Kalkrand—Hoachanas); M38 (Kalkrand—Maltahohe); D3514: Zilitene—Gunkwe (M0125); D3528: Lizauli—Munakuve & DR3407: TR10/1 —Kakua; D3525:T0806—M125; D3400: Ndonga Linena—Ngcoggco; D3526: TR8/6—Sachinga; M0117 (Okakarara); M0126 (Kamanjab); D3617, D3630, D3653, D3647 & DR3641 (Northern Namibia).
Road Betterment Projects
Thirty-five kilometres of road betterment works have been completed on D3425 (Ncaute—Karukuvisa) and 85 km on D3446 (Charlie Cutline); betterment works shall continue for another 40 km of D3446 (Charlie Cutline).
Capital and Bitumen Standard Roads Completed
• Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba Freeway dual carriageway has been completed, and the road was opened to traffic on 12 November 2024. An official opening ceremony took place in January 2025.
• Windhoek—Okahandja Freeway was officially opened on 1 November 2024
• Rehabilitation of Tses—Gochas Road (Hardap and Karas regions)
• Gobabis—Aranos—Aminius Road (Omaheke Region). This road was upgraded to bitumen standards
Looking ahead
The RA continues with routine maintenance activities as well as periodic maintenance activities such as upgrading of various district roads, including the D3673 (Omuthiya — Amilema – Onanke) and D3645 (Omuntele – Onanke), amongst others, to Low Volume Seal standards.
Periodic maintenance such as the re-gravelling of various gravel roads as per the unsealed road management system, and light rehabilitation of various highly trafficked bitumen roads including the remaining sections of T0804 (Rundu – Divundu) and T1002 (Onhuno – Eenhana), as per pavement management system recommendations, continue.
According to the RA, the overall network also needs a reseal programme to maintain the pavement condition of the bitumen-surfaced road network.
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