Namibia selected for Mercedes-Benz global journey
Namibia has been selected as one of only five African countries to feature in Mercedes-Benz’s global “140 Years. 140 Places” anniversary journey, placing the country’s landscapes, culture, tourism and investment opportunities in the international spotlight.
The milestone journey will pass through Namibia from 22 to 27 August 2026, with the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB), Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and M&Z Motors Namibia collaborating to showcase the country as a destination for tourism, investment and mobility.
According to a joint statement by the three organisations, the global initiative marks 140 years since Carl Benz invented the automobile. Three Mercedes-Benz S-Class vehicles will travel more than 50 000 kilometres across six continents, visiting 140 selected locations.
The organisations said the journey would tell stories of mobility, people, places and progress along the way.
In Namibia, the vehicles will travel through some of the country’s most renowned destinations, including the Zambezi Region and Fish River Canyon, before culminating in the main anniversary event in Windhoek.
For the NTB, the initiative represents a major international platform to promote Namibia as a destination defined by remarkable journeys, diverse experiences and warm hospitality.
As the vehicles travel from the river landscapes of the Zambezi Region through northern and central Namibia, Windhoek and the iconic landscapes of the south, international audiences will be introduced to the country’s tourism experiences, cultural heritage and conservation achievements, according to the statement.
The journey is also expected to strengthen Namibia’s profile as an investment destination, with opportunities in tourism, infrastructure, mobility and broader economic development presented to a global audience of travellers, investors and business leaders.
NIPDB spokesperson Catherine Shipushu described Namibia’s inclusion in the campaign as a significant milestone for the country’s nation-branding and investment ambitions.
“Namibia's inclusion in Mercedes-Benz's 140 Years. 140 Locations campaign is a significant milestone, positioning our country’s breathtaking beauty and untapped economic potential in front of a global audience,” Shipushu said.
She added that the campaign goes beyond showcasing Namibia’s landscapes and provides an opportunity to strategically position the country as an attractive investment destination.
“In the short term, we are working hard to give the Mercedes-Benz team a true taste of Namibian hospitality and make sure they have an unforgettable experience in our country,” she said.
For M&Z Motors Namibia, the journey carries an additional layer of historical significance. The company is celebrating 120 years of local history, while Mercedes-Benz marks 90 years in Namibia.
The anniversary journey therefore links Mercedes-Benz’s global automotive heritage with Namibia’s own development, including the growth of its towns, industries, road networks and communities.
Working with relevant stakeholders, the partners will coordinate the route, tourism experiences, key locations, filming requirements and logistical arrangements to maximise the international exposure generated by the journey.
