Why it Matters Windhoek’s rapid population growth is placing increasing pressure on the city’s existing transport infrastructure, making integrated public transport a strategic urban priority rather than a standalone mobility issue. The proposed commuter rail link between Windhoek, Katutura and Rehoboth signals a shift towards corridor-based planning, improved accessibility and more structured metropolitan transport development. By positioning rail alongside bus services, non-motorised transport and transit-oriented development, the strategy links mobility directly to inclusion, resilience and economic connectivity. Its success will depend on sustained coordination between the city, national government, development partners and private-sector participants. Namibia’s capital city, City of Windhoek, has identified commuter rail, integrated public transport and sustainable urban mobility as key pillars of its 10-year smart city strategy, with plans to work alongside the national government and development partners to modernise the capital’s transport network. Known as People-Centred Smart City Strategy 2026–2036, the plan is aimed at improving mobility and would be central to the city’s transformation into a more inclusive, resilient and digitally connected urban centre, according to Windhoek Mayor Sakarias Uunona. The 2023 census showed that Windhoek has a population of over 486,000 people, an increase of almost 50% since 2011. This rapid expansion has heavily strained existing transport infrastructure and increased travel times into the city. Among the flagship transport initiatives outlined in the strategy is the proposed introduction of commuter rail services linking Windhoek, the township of Katutura and Rehoboth, situated south of the city. The Ministry of Works and Transport has estimated that the project cost N$2.8 billion. Last year, the ministry undertook a feasibility study of commuter rails to assess if there are potential market players who are willing to develop and operate such transport services under the Public-Private Partnership format. The rail network is envisaged to operate as part of an