DB Schenker

DB Schenker, a German logistics multinational, expanded its Namibian presence in April 2012 by acquiring Desert Logistics. The company identifies a specific cross-border taxation system between Namibia and South Africa—requiring exporters to pay 25% of South African tax before transactions—as a significant risk to its long-term financial survival. Additionally, the company highlights the need for continued maintenance of transport corridors, such as the Trans Kalahari, to prevent increased transport times and insurance costs. While the company views corruption as a habitual practice in Africa and finds SADC communication technologies and licensing transparency positive, it warns that the unique tax structure between Namibia and South Africa requires political resolution.

• DB Schenker identifies a specific tax regulation on cross-border transactions between Namibia and South Africa as a primary concern, where exporters must pay 25% of South African tax before a transaction is executed. The company warns that if this is not resolved at a political level, it could threaten the company's long-term financial survival and potentially force it to close down.
• The company views the lack of road maintenance as a potential future challenge for the regional transport industry, noting that poor road conditions lead to increased transport times and higher insurance costs. Specifically, the maintenance of corridors like the Trans Kalahari is cited as a priority for effective service delivery.
• DB Schenker reports positive observations regarding the SADC business climate, specifically noting the superior standard of communication technologies and a sense of transparency in the issuance of investment permits and business licenses.
• The company considers certain operational barriers to be of little to no concern, including customs regulations, access to finance, and the management of operational costs. Currency fluctuations are only noted as a minor concern in Angola and Zimbabwe.

APA

South African Institute of International Affairs (2012). DB Schenker. https://saiia.org.za/saiia-toolkit/db-schenker/

Chicago

South African Institute of International Affairs. DB Schenker. 2012. https://saiia.org.za/saiia-toolkit/db-schenker/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=South African Institute of International Affairs |title=DB Schenker |date=24 July 2012 |url=https://saiia.org.za/saiia-toolkit/db-schenker/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{southafricaninstituteofinternationalaffairs2012schenker, author = {{South African Institute of International Affairs}}, title = {{DB Schenker}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2012}, month = jul, url = {https://saiia.org.za/saiia-toolkit/db-schenker/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }