Also known as: TransNamib Holdings Limited
State-owned Namibian rail operator piloting hydrogen-diesel locomotive trial and managing frequent infrastructure challenges.
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The Namibian
TransNamib experienced freight train derailment between Usakos and Kranzberg on Monday
“A TransNamib freight train derailment between Usakos and Kranzberg on Monday disrupted operations along the railway corridor.”
Runaway wagons derail between Usakos and KranzbergInformanté
TransNamib recorded 48 mainline derailments from 2020 to 2025
“THE national rail liner, TransNamib, has said that during the period from 2020 to 2025, a total of 48 mainline derailments were recorded.”
TransNamib says rail incidents on the decrease, close to 50 derailments recorded over past five yearsInformanté
TransNamib reported an 87.5% decrease in derailments from 16 incidents in 2021/22 to two incidents in 2024/25
“The national rail liner said that there has been a significant and consistent reduction in derailments over recent years, with an 87.5% decrease from 16 incidents in 2021/22 to two incidents in 2024/25.”
TransNamib says rail incidents on the decrease, close to 50 derailments recorded over past five yearsThe Namibian
TransNamib has secured board approval to pilot a hydrogen-powered locomotive
“TransNamib says it has secured board approval to pilot a hydrogen-powered locomotive as part of efforts to modernise its fleet and cut emissions.”
TransNamib tests hydrogen-powered locomotiveThe Namibian
TransNamib will conduct a six-month trial of a prototype dual-fuel locomotive powered by hydrogen and diesel
“TransNamib chief executive Desmond van Jaarsveld said the state-owned rail operator will conduct a six-month trial of a prototype dual-fuel locomotive powered by hydrogen and diesel, in partnership with CMB.Tech, a local maritime hydrogen specialist.”
TransNamib tests hydrogen-powered locomotiveInformanté
TransNamib was involved in a fatal pedestrian incident near Okahandja
“A MALE pedestrian was fatally struck by one of the trains of the national rail liner, TransNamib, near Okahandja.”
TransNamib train involved in fatal pedestrian incident near OkahandjaThe Namibian
TransNamib confirmed a pedestrian fatality near Okahandja from train strike
“TransNamib confirmed the incident in a media statement.”
Pedestrian fatally struck by train near OkahandjaThe Namibian
TransNamib reported train was travelling at 52 kilometres per hour, within regulated speed limit
“Preliminary investigations show that the train was travelling at 52 kilometres per hour, which is within the regulated speed limit, TransNamib said in the statement.”
Pedestrian fatally struck by train near OkahandjaInformanté
TransNamib was involved in a train accident in Oshivelo area on 24 March 2026
“A TRAIN accident in the Oshivelo area in the evening hours of 24 March 2026 has led to the amputation of the leg of a one-year-old baby in the Oshivelo-Omuthiya area. This is the second TransNamib train incident, after a train also derailed on Monday in Swakopmund.”
Train accident causes amputation of one-year-old in Omuthiya-Oshivelo train incidentInformanté
TransNamib is investigating the cause of a train derailment near Swakopmund
“TransNamib is still investigating the cause of the train derailment that took place on Monday night near Swakopmund.”
TransNamib investigates Swakopmund train derailment, suspects tamperingValery Pack-Mwashekele, a retired all-rounder who played top-flight netball for TransNamib, Civics, and United in the Khomas First Division, says she played for the love of the sport and not to please others. She excelled playing in centre, goal-attack, and wing-attack positions and was the first black girl to play for Windhoek High School's netball team.
17 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Valery Pack-Mwashekele, a retired all-rounder who played top-flight netball for TransNamib, Civics, and United in the Khomas First Division, says she played for the love of the sport and not to please others. She excelled playing in centre, goal-attack, and wing-attack positions and was the first black girl to play for Windhoek High School's netball team.
17 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Valery Pack-Mwashekele, a retired all-rounder who played for TransNamib, Civics, and United in the Khomas First Division, says she played netball for the love of the sport rather than to please others. She excelled in centre, goal-attack, and wing-attack positions and was the first Black player on Windhoek High School's netball team.
17 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) scored 20 out of 20 in IJG Securities' 2026 Public Enterprise Governance Ranking, which assessed public enterprises over five years on annual report publication, profitability, fiscal transfer reliance, and CEO stability. NamPort, Agribank, and NamibRe placed second with 19 points each, while NamPower and NamWater tied for fifth with 18 points.
14 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Independent Patriots for Change has accused the government of inaction on a March 2022 Ernst & Young investigation that found prima facie evidence of fraud and theft at TransNamib, after the report was referred to the Anti-Corruption Commission in March 2022 with no subsequent prosecution or recovery of funds. The party says TransNamib fell over N$23 million behind on employee contributions during the investigation period.
9 July 2026 · The Namibian →
A TransNamib train and a light motor vehicle were involved in an incident at a level crossing in Swakopmund on 26 June at approximately 00:45. All occupants were assessed and transported to the state hospital but later discharged with no visible injuries reported; an investigation is underway.
26 June 2026 · Informanté →
TransNamib opened a theft case following a weekend break-in at its chief executive's office in Windhoek and reported the incident to police. Sources claim several laptops were stolen, including devices allegedly containing information on investigations into irregularities involving some executives.
8 June 2026 · The Namibian →
TransNamib's CEO office and executive wing were broken into over the weekend. Insider sources suspect the break-in resulted in the loss of information linked to forensic investigations into alleged property management irregularities and statutory breaches at the rail operator.
8 June 2026 · Informanté →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah appointed retired chief legal adviser Chris Nghaamwa, her relative, as an adviser to attorney general Festus Mbandeka effective 1 June. State House defended the appointment, stating Nghaamwa's qualifications and experience in government legal roles made him suitable, and that family relationships do not render individuals unsuitable for public service.
8 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The National Planning Commission director general said Namibia is ready to move from planning to implementation of green hydrogen projects, despite the absence of dedicated legislation. The government aims to create 30,000 green jobs by 2030 and position Namibia as a low-carbon industry platform for southern Africa.
3 June 2026 · The Namibian →
An independent investigation by South Africa's Railway Safety Regulator into a Rovos Rail passenger train derailment near Keetmanshoop on 1 March has reinforced the need for continued improvements in rail safety and operational systems. TransNamib says recommendations from the report will be reviewed and incorporated into ongoing safety enhancement programmes.
3 June 2026 · The Namibian →
TransNamib has received an independent investigation report from South Africa's Railway Safety Regulator into a March 2026 Rovos Rail derailment south of Keetmanshoop that killed two people, caused when rains washed away sections of track. The report findings were presented to TransNamib leadership and union representatives, but the operator has not yet shared the conclusions publicly.
3 June 2026 · Informanté →
TransNamib's northern railway line, which runs from Tsumeb through Ondangwa to Oshikango and received N$1.17 billion in investment, faces severe infrastructure and capacity challenges including the need for rail upgrades, limited rolling stock capacity, and regulatory gaps. The government is demanding board accountability over frequent derailments on the line.
30 May 2026 · The Namibian →
A parliamentary oversight report has found that only one of TransNamib's 17 locomotives purchased in 2017 to modernise Namibia's rail network is currently operational.
29 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →
Two senior TransNamib Holdings executives suspended in February over allegations of property mismanagement and statutory breaches returned to work on Tuesday following a directive from the works and transport minister. Their disciplinary hearing is continuing.
27 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
A year after cancellation over single-sourcing concerns, TransNamib will restart the process to buy 23 new locomotives for N$1.7 billion following an independent technical evaluation of manufacturers. The procurement will proceed through the Central Procurement Board of Namibia using secured development finance.
26 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi has instructed newly appointed boards of the Roads Contractor Company, Namibia Civil Aviation Authority and TransNamib Holdings Limited to urgently improve performance, accountability and service delivery. Nekundi ordered the RCC to submit outstanding annual reports and complete projects on time and within budget, directed the aviation authority to strengthen surveillance systems and address concerns raised by recent plane crashes, and demanded an end to delays in TransNamib's locomotive remanufacturing and frequent derailments.
21 May 2026 · The Namibian →
A TransNamib freight train derailed on Monday between Usakos and Kranzberg after wagons experienced uncontrolled movement, disrupting railway operations. No injuries were reported; the cause remains under investigation and recovery operations are underway.
21 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia Revenue Agency (Namra) has begun moving customs and excise offices to a newly established One-Stop centre on Reger Street in the Southern Industrial area. Currently, only limited services including motor vehicle clearance certificates and booking of physical inspections are available, while payments and other services remain at the Eros Airport office during the transition.
13 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The national rail operator TransNamib recorded 48 mainline derailments, 39 fatalities, and 45 level crossing incidents between 2020 and 2025, with an 87.5% decrease in derailments from 2021/22 to 2024/25. TransNamib attributes incidents to vandalism, theft, and flash floods, and says it uses patrols, awareness campaigns, and infrastructure investment to reduce them.
28 April 2026 · Informanté →
State-owned rail operator TransNamib has secured board approval for a six-month trial of a dual-fuel hydrogen-diesel locomotive on the Walvis Bay-Windhoek corridor in partnership with local maritime hydrogen specialist CMB.Tech. The pilot will assess fuel consumption, reliability, operational efficiency, maintenance and cost-effectiveness, with potential fleet transition contingent on trial outcomes.
2 April 2026 · The Namibian →
A pedestrian was killed after being struck by a TransNamib train near Okahandja on 31 March 2026, the third train incident recorded in March. The train was travelling at 52 km/h within the speed limit when the pedestrian attempted to cross the railway line in a non-residential area.
1 April 2026 · Informanté →
A male pedestrian died on Tuesday afternoon near Okahandja after attempting to cross railway tracks and being struck by a train travelling at 52 kilometres per hour, within regulated speed limits. TransNamib said it maintains strict safety measures and is expanding community outreach programmes to educate the public about railway safety.
1 April 2026 · The Namibian →
A TransNamib train accident in the Oshivelo area on 24 March resulted in the amputation of a one-year-old's leg. An LPM parliamentarian attributed the incident to a contractor's failure to clear bushes in the area, prompting questions about compensation avenues for TransNamib-related injuries.
26 March 2026 · Informanté →
A TransNamib train derailed near Swakopmund on Monday night at 28 km/h, with preliminary indications suggesting possible tampering with rail equipment; no injuries were reported and damage was minimal, with re-railing expected to be completed shortly.
25 March 2026 · Informanté →
Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi has pledged to investigate allegations that TransNamib executive engineers who are board members of a joint venture improperly awarded a N$175 million railway maintenance contract without proper procurement processes. TransNamib denies the allegations, stating it adheres to all procurement procedures and holds 51% of the joint venture.
25 March 2026 · The Namibian →
A railway maintenance company argues that Namibia's ageing rail infrastructure, managed by TransNamib, requires proactive maintenance, clearer accountability, and closer partnership between government and private contractors to improve safety, reduce costs, and create skilled employment for young Namibians.
18 March 2026 · The Namibian →
TransNamib is investigating a derailment of a luxury Rovos Rail train about 100km from Keetmanshoop that killed two people. A nine-member panel will conduct a departmental inquiry next week in Keetmanshoop, examining the circumstances of the incident, safety procedures, and potential maintenance lapses.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
Namibia is preparing to launch its first heavy-duty freight locomotive powered by locally produced green hydrogen later this year, a partnership between CMB.Tech Namibia, TransNamib and Africa Global Logistics. The hydrogen-powered locomotive will operate between Walvis Bay and Windhoek for a trial period of 50 round trips, with hydrogen produced off-grid at CMB.Tech's plant in Walvis Bay.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia is launching its first heavy-duty freight locomotive powered by locally produced green hydrogen later this year, a partnership between CMB.Tech Namibia, TransNamib and Africa Global Logistics. The dual-fuel locomotive will conduct 50 round trips between Walvis Bay and Windhoek, with hydrogen produced off-grid at CMB.Tech's plant in Walvis Bay.
6 March 2026 · The Namibian →
A Rovos Rail train derailed near Naute, about 100 kilometres from Keetmanshoop, early Sunday morning, killing two people. TransNamib CEO Desmond Van Jaarsveld confirmed the incident and said emergency teams were dispatched immediately; an investigation into the cause is underway.
3 March 2026 · New Era →