Commitment to Fleet Modernisation
TransNamib has been transparent about its challenges related to an ageing and outdated fleet, necessitating the procurement of new rolling stock to drive business transformation. Over the past 50 years, General Electric/Wabtec locomotives have been the predominant choice for TransNamib due to their exceptional reliability in Namibia’s harsh environmental conditions. Many of these locomotives have exceeded their typical 25-year service life, with some operating for over 50 years, continuing to serve as the backbone of the fleet.
In contrast, locomotives from other manufacturers previously acquired by TransNamib are no longer operational, reinforcing the strategic decision to standardise the fleet with General Electric/Wabtec locomotives. This approach ensures:
✔ Operational efficiency
✔ Reduced maintenance costs
✔ Improved reliability
✔ Faster servicing and repairs
To optimise procurement, TransNamib has opted to source locomotives directly from the manufacturer, eliminating the need for third-party agents and fostering a direct relationship with Wabtec.
The TransNamib Board approved the standardisation initiative in 2022, with further approvals granted by lending institutions and the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises. The Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) is fully managing the procurement process to ensure transparency, fairness, and compliance, with oversight from an independent third-party technical advisor appointed by the lenders.
CPBN launched the bidding process on 14 October 2024, following TransNamib’s successful fulfilment of funding conditions on 30 September 2024. As the only authorised entity engaging with Wabtec, CPBN will ensure that the process remains competitive and transparent, with final verification conducted by the lending institutions.
TransNamib has secured critical funding from the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN), aligned with the company’s Integrated Strategic Business Plan for the next five years. This funding will be allocated toward:
✔ Rolling stock replacement
✔ Infrastructure upgrades
✔ Revenue-generating projects to ensure long-term financial sustainability
It is important to note that TransNamib will not receive these funds directly. Instead, disbursements will be made directly to suppliers, ensuring financial accountability.
Recent claims by Job Amupanda, suggesting that the procurement process is a “last-minute corrupt deal,” are unfounded and misleading. The procurement initiative began in 2022, well before the current phase, and is being conducted in strict accordance with the Public Procurement Act.
Additionally, TransNamib is not responsible for procurement—this process is managed exclusively by CPBN, with oversight from the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises, CPBN, and the lenders. These measures ensure full transparency, eliminating any risk of corruption.
To further guarantee transparency and prevent misuse of funds, the Public Procurement Act mandates that all procurement above a certain threshold be managed by CPBN.
Additionally, CPBN will conduct open international bidding for the remanufacturing of outdated locomotives and the purchase of wagons and tankers, ensuring fair competition among all qualified suppliers.
Strict compliance measures are in place to ensure the procurement process remains transparent, fair, and legally sound. TransNamib encourages media and interested parties to contact CPBN directly for any inquiries or concerns regarding the procurement process.
