China is increasing its investments in Namibia in the energy, mining, and agriculture sectors.
Official talks in Beijing between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Namibian counterpart
Written by Ziad Abdel Fattah:
China announced, FridayChina is determined to expand economic cooperation with Namibia in a number of vital sectors, including energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and minerals, following official talks in Beijing between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Namibian counterpart Naledi Pandor.
This move comes amid a seven-day official visit by Namibia's President to China, which began last Sunday. The visit is part of her efforts to attract investment from the world's second-largest economy to support her government's plans aimed at creating jobs and diversifying the economy.
Nandi-Ndaitwa affirmed during the meeting her country's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, describing them as an ”ancient friendship.” She noted that her delegation includes dozens of businessmen. For his part, the Chinese President praised Namibia's choice of China as its first destination outside the African continent after assuming the presidency, considering it a testament to the importance of relations between the two countries.
Nandi-Ndaitwah assumed power in 2025, continuing the rule of the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO), which has led the country since its independence from South Africa in 1990, despite internal challenges related to high unemployment rates and a widening inequality gap.
Cooperation agreements in minerals and energy
The two sides signed eight cooperation documents, including agreements related to green minerals, alongside a framework agreement to enhance economic partnership. A joint statement emphasized the importance of critical minerals, agreeing to expand cooperation in the development of strategic resources such as uranium, lithium, and rare earth elements.
The two sides also stressed the need to support local manufacturing, technology transfer, and skills development, thereby enhancing the value addition of the Namibian economy.
An expected breakthrough in the energy sector
Estimates indicate that Namibia, rich in natural resources, could become the fourth-largest oil producer in Africa by 2030, following the discovery of reserves estimated at around 2.6 billion barrels of oil, with the participation of international companies such as Shell and TotalEnergies, and plans to commence production within the coming years.
In the same context, neighboring Angola produces about 1.1 million barrels per day and uses oil revenues to implement comprehensive economic reforms with China's support, while gradually moving towards clean energy sources.
Chinese dominance in the metals sector
China is a major trading partner for Namibia, accounting for about 25% of its exports, according to data from the International Monetary Fund. The value of Namibian exports to China reached approximately $1.3 billion last year, with uranium accounting for about 85% of that total.
Recent data also showed that Chinese companies have invested around $4.2 billion in Namibia, with the majority focused on the mining sector, reflecting the growing interest in the country's natural resources.
Move towards a green economy
In line with its economic vision, Nandi-Ndaitwah called for launching a “green revolution” based on developing agriculture and water resource management, while the International Monetary Fund stressed that structural reforms, particularly in the agriculture, fisheries, and energy sectors, will play a pivotal role in creating jobs and boosting growth, alongside emerging sectors such as green hydrogen, oil, and gas.
