About Us

In the 1990’s, Luderitz was originally  cited by the Namibian Government as the first remote location in southern Namibia where waterfront development would be initiated.

The first team of experts tasked with the design of the waterfront realised the  raw and undeniable potential of Luderitz, with her powerful blend of sea and desert, coupled with her nouveau art architecture that emerged from the historically famous diamond boom.

Shortly thereafter the Luderitz Waterfront Development Company was established 1995 and tasked with the development of the Harbour Square, accommodation units, rental offices and hospitality spaces.  Initially established as a non-commercial entity with strong community involvement for the benefit of local inhabitants (strongly considering community interest), the LWDC has paid its dues, having played a critical role as a catalyst to stimulate socio-economic development such as tourism growth and investment promotion in the area.

As it enters its third phase on infrastructural development in line with its mandate, it also embarks upon a commercial journey, still retaining its primary role of being a catalyst for economic growth.

The future holds exciting prospects for the growth trajectory of the Luderitz waterfront Company. Various plots of land have been acquired for the expansion of the business portfolio of the company. Various internal, regional and local investors have shown interest in partnering with the LWDC in developing these spaces into revenue-generating resources.

In the meanwhile, the second phase of the Luderitz Waterfront Development involves the construction and completion of the old Power Station  property located at the sea’s edge. Previously owned by the Luderitz Town Council, this property is being rejuvenated and will host some of the best attractions the town has to offer and holds a promising future for the town’s economic development, reflecting the growth and diversification strategy of the Luderitz Waterfront Development Company .

The complex will host, inter alia the following facilities and attractions, some of which are ready for use, whilst others are reaching final stages of completion:

• A Fully-fledged satellite campus of the Namibia University of Science & technology (NUST). This is set to establish Luderitz as a university community aiming to be an intellectual hub. Completion of this project is expected in Quarter 2 of 2023.
• State-of the Art conferencing facilities offering opportunities for a variety of indoor activities.
• National Maritime Museum is expected to be a major drawcard for increased tourism traffic to the town of Luderitz. Official Opening is expected in 2023.
• A state-of-the-art Fitness Centre. This unique sea-facing gym is already in operation.
• Restaurants and coffee shops are being finalized for opening to the public soon. Watch this space
• Public Square and promenades are being created between the building and the sea-edge. This is nearing completion in 2023.

The LWDC interventions as listed above are aimed at:

• Strengthening investor confidence in Luderitz
• Facilitate for new sustainable investments
• Create modern economic infrastructure capable of offering new experiences and improve the living standards of our people
• Help diversify economic activities
• Attract and retain young professionals in key disciplines
• Create meaningful employment opportunities for Namibians

Luderitz – Big dreams, Huge potential

Luderitz is a small town with big dreams and huge potential for investment on the southwestern coast of Namibia. Driven initially by the diamond rush of the early 1900’s, it is now a haven of quaint coffee shops, architecture steeped in rich history and not too kind symbolism of some of the town’s tragic past. It is a town which has taught itself to rise above the ashes of its past and carve a hope for its future – a future steeped in the unity of its people – the Buchters – a rare treasure of a community whose humour and easy-going spirit welcomes each visitor as they they go about their business exploring the wonders of the sea, reconnecting to nature’s maritime bounty.

Unique “Buchter” hospitality

The “buchters”  – a nickname for the inhabitants of Luderitz – are a unique bunch of people. Not bothered by nor driven by their ethnicity, class or race and names after Luderitzbucht, the name given to the town by the colonial masters, the Buchter’s are known for their unique sense of humour – they laugh easily, are known to tease each other and others without prejudice and are united in their common transcendence beyond tribe, race, class or creed.