On November 10 local time, an opening ceremony was held for the new Airport Road project in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, which was jointly constructed by China Railway Seventh Group. The event marked the full completion and commissioning of this connectivity project built under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the “Belt and Road” Initiative.
Veko Nekundi, Namibia’s Minister of Works and Transport, stated at the ceremony that the new Airport Road is a key project for advancing the government’s Harambee Prosperity Plan and achieving the transport goals of Vision 2030. It will significantly enhance regional connectivity, boost trade exchanges, and promote urban revitalization.
Zhao Weiping, Chinese Ambassador to Namibia, noted in his speech that the new Airport Road stands as a testament to the joint efforts of China and Namibia to enhance regional connectivity and pursue shared development. He added that China is ready to continue deepening practical cooperation with Namibia for the benefit of both peoples.
The road project consists of three phases, with Phase I constructed by China Railway Seventh Group. It extends eastward from Road 49 in southwestern Windhoek to the extension of Sam Nujoma Drive, covering approximately 8.7 kilometers. Major works include 7.1 kilometers of dual four-lane roadway, 20.6 kilometers of interchange ramps, 11 new bridges, and the rehabilitation of two existing bridges. The design speed is 120 km/h, and among the structures, the Gobabis Interchange is the largest interchange in Namibia.
After the project opened to traffic, travel time from downtown Windhoek to Hosea Kutako International Airport was significantly reduced from about 50 minutes to just over 20 minutes. This has greatly improved regional traffic efficiency and safety, and holds long-term significance for local economic development and regional integration.
