Namibia Secures China Deals on Infrastructure, Mining, and Energy During State Visit

Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah concluded a seven-day state visit to China, securing significant deals aimed at boosting investment in key sectors and fulfilling her election pledges to create jobs and diversify the economy. The visit, her first outside Africa since taking office, underscored the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations.

Discussions between President Nandi-Ndaitwah and Chinese leader Xi Jinping focused on deepening cooperation across energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and mining. Eight documents were signed, including agreements on green minerals and a broader economic partnership framework. Both sides recognized the strategic importance of critical minerals and committed to enhancing collaboration in their development, specifically mentioning uranium, lithium, and rare earths.

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In Namibia, we affirm (an) unwavering commitment to this longstanding friendship between Namibia and China.

A key theme emerging from the talks was the promotion of local processing, technological transfer, and the development of local skills. This aligns with a growing trend among African commodity producers seeking greater value addition from their natural resources. China is already a significant investor in Namibia, with substantial investments concentrated in the metals sector, and is a primary export market, particularly for Namibian uranium.

Namibia's resource potential is substantial, with the country poised to become Africa's fourth-largest oil producer by 2030 following major offshore discoveries. The strengthened ties with China are expected to play a crucial role in developing these resources and furthering Namibia's economic diversification goals.

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Your decision to make China your first state visit outside of Africa after assuming the presidency demonstrates the importance you attach to this significant relationship, for which I express my appreciation.